IPSA

As a member "IPSA" means to me the International Political Science Association, an excellent body that promotes research and understanding of politics. But is has a different meaning for MPs at Westminster - it means the "Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority". It has received much criticism - and some MPs have been caused some considerable problems as a result of its procedures.

The House of Commons Library has produced some research notes on IPSA - press the link to see them

The Publication of MPs Expenses by IPSA
IPSA: Operating the Members Expenses Scheme
The establishment of IPSA

House of Lords - Expenses

Details of the payment of expenses to Peers (they receive no salary), can be found on the Parliamentary Website.

Members’ Reimbursement Scheme - General Guide: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldpeers/ldpeers.pdf

Details of Expenses from 2001
http://www.parliament.uk/about_lords/holallowances/hol_expenses04.cfm

In addition Peers and their staff are required to disclose any interests they have.

The Registers Of Lords’ (and their Staffs’) interests:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldreg.htm

The Week Ahead

The Inauguration of the President will dominate the early part of the week in Washington. Monday is Martin Luther King Day, and Tuesday will see Congress meet for the Inauguration itself. Legislative action to deal with the current financial crisis will the main focus of the House of Representatives for the rest of the week. More details of the business can be found at http://democraticleader.house.gov/docUploads/3WeeklyLeader11609.pdf?CFID=7017212&CFTOKEN=43085550

Details of the Senate can be found at http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/d_three_sections_with_teasers/calendars.htm

The business for Westminster is listed at http://services.parliament.uk/calendar/2009/01/19/week.html. Thursday will be an interesting day, as controversial plans to exempt MPs and Peers from Freedom of Information requirements relating to details of their expenses are debated. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jan/16/mps-expenses-exemption