MPs demand debate on shake-up of their expenses

DAVID CAMERON is facing fresh demands to overhaul the new MPs' expenses system.

MPs are set to insist that the Government makes time for a Bill implementing sweeping changes to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

They are furious that reforms of the system brought forward by Ipsa in March do little to address their concerns about red tape and restrictions.

Tory Adam Afriyie, who has emerged as the unofficial shop steward on the issue, will lead a debate on Thursday calling on the Government to pave the way for a simpler and cheaper system.

It comes after MPs voted in December vowing to shake up Ipsa unless it made significant changes.

Windsor MP Mr Afriyie told the Standard: "In times of austerity Ipsa has actually increased the costs to the taxpayer but failed to reduce the bureaucracy. Parliament has a duty to act in the interests of taxpayers and constituents."

Liberal Democrat MP Bob Russell joined in the criticism, saying Ipsa was "failing seriously" to address a system he described as "bureaucracy gone mad".

"We can't go back to the previous system but there has to be a far simpler way of making claims," he added.

Mr Cameron, who has previously warned Ipsa to "get a grip", is also likely to face pressure on the issue when he addresses the backbench Conservative 1922 committee on Wednesday.