Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
Encyclopedia
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is an independent body created by the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009
, largely as a response to the parliamentary expenses scandal of 2009. It establishes and monitors the expenses scheme for Members of the House of Commons, and is responsible for paying their salaries and expenses. Following revisions to the Parliamentary Standards Act in April 2010 (via the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010
), IPSA was also given responsibility for setting the level of MPs' salaries.
Upon its formation IPSA took over some of the functions previously undertaken by the House of Common's Fees Office, as well as some of the staff who previously carried out these functions.
In June 2010 IPSA launched three further consultations, on amendments to the expenses scheme; proposals on publication; and on the compliance officer's processes.
, published a report on 4 November 2009 looking at MPs' expenses. His report had no formal powers, but provided recommendations to IPSA, and was used to inform the final allowances scheme prepared by IPSA.
, who told IPSA to "Get a grip". Criticism has been largely centred on the perceived high running costs of IPSA, inability of MPs to get through on the IPSA helpline, emails and letters going largely unanswered, and the length of time taken to reimburse expenses.
Parliamentary Standards Act 2009
The Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that entered into force in part on 21 July 2009, largely as a response to the Parliamentary expenses scandal...
, largely as a response to the parliamentary expenses scandal of 2009. It establishes and monitors the expenses scheme for Members of the House of Commons, and is responsible for paying their salaries and expenses. Following revisions to the Parliamentary Standards Act in April 2010 (via the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010
Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010
The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom that substantially reformed the Royal Prerogative. It made two significant changes: it put the civil service on a statutory footing for the first time, and it made treaties subject to ratification by...
), IPSA was also given responsibility for setting the level of MPs' salaries.
Role
IPSA is responsible for: setting the level of and paying MPs’ annual salaries; paying the salaries of MPs' staff, drawing up, reviewing, and administering an MPs’ allowances scheme; providing MPs with publicly available information relating to taxation issues; and determining the procedures for investigations and complaints relating to MPs.Upon its formation IPSA took over some of the functions previously undertaken by the House of Common's Fees Office, as well as some of the staff who previously carried out these functions.
Consultation
IPSA is required by statute to consult with certain bodies when setting the expenses scheme. In addition to consulting with this group, IPSA invited the public to respond to the consultation. The consultation was open from 4 January until 11 February 2010. The website can be accessed hereIn June 2010 IPSA launched three further consultations, on amendments to the expenses scheme; proposals on publication; and on the compliance officer's processes.
Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life
Sir Christopher Kelly, the Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public LifeCommittee on Standards in Public Life
The Committee on Standards in Public Life is an advisory non-departmental public body of the United Kingdom Government.The Committee on Standards in Public Life is constituted as a standing body with its members appointed for up to three years.-History:...
, published a report on 4 November 2009 looking at MPs' expenses. His report had no formal powers, but provided recommendations to IPSA, and was used to inform the final allowances scheme prepared by IPSA.
Publication of first expenses scheme
IPSA published their first expenses scheme on 29 March 2010. It had a largely positive reaction from MPs, the media, and the general public, although there was some criticism of the continued ability of MPs to employ one family member.Criticism
IPSA has been criticised publicly by many MPs, including David CameronDavid Cameron
David William Donald Cameron is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service and Leader of the Conservative Party. Cameron represents Witney as its Member of Parliament ....
, who told IPSA to "Get a grip". Criticism has been largely centred on the perceived high running costs of IPSA, inability of MPs to get through on the IPSA helpline, emails and letters going largely unanswered, and the length of time taken to reimburse expenses.
Governance
- IPSA Chair: Professor Sir Ian KennedyIan Kennedy (lawyer)Sir Ian McColl Kennedy LLM LLD is a British academic lawyer who has specialised in the law and ethics of health. He was appointed to chair the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority in 2009...
. - IPSA interim chief executive: Andrew McDonald.
- IPSA Board members: Rt Hon Scott BakerScott Baker (judge)Sir Thomas Scott Gillespie Baker , styled The Rt Hon. Lord Justice Scott Baker , is an English Court of Appeal judge....
, Ken OlisaKen OlisaKenneth Olisa, OBE FRSA FBCS is a British businessman born of a Nigerian father and a British mother.Olisa attained an MA in Natural, Social & Political and Management Sciences from Cambridge University ....
, Jackie BallardJackie BallardJacqueline Margaret Ballard has been a politician and journalist in the United Kingdom. She was the Director General of the RSPCA, and took up post as CEO of the RNID on 22 October 2007....
, Professor Isobel Sharp.
See also
- Parliamentary Commissioner for StandardsParliamentary Commissioner for StandardsThe Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is an officer of the British House of Commons.He or she is appointed by a Resolution of the House of Commons and works a four-day week.- Tasks :...
- Committee on Standards and PrivilegesCommittee on Standards and PrivilegesThe Standards and Privileges Committee of the United Kingdom House of Commons was established in 1995 to replace the earlier Committee of Privileges...
- Parliamentary expenses scandal
- Parliamentary Standards Act 2009Parliamentary Standards Act 2009The Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that entered into force in part on 21 July 2009, largely as a response to the Parliamentary expenses scandal...
- Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards AuthoritySpeaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards AuthorityThe Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, or Speaker's Committee for IPSA, is a body created under the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 to scrutinise the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. The committee also plays a role in selecting the members of...