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Review of Parliamentary Standards Act 2009

I am delighted that the Committee is being set up. I expressed an interest in that Committee. It is time for us to have a calm, careful look at the 2009 Act, as amended in 2010. I hope that all hon. Members, in a non-partisan fashion, will support me and the House in establishing this Committee. We must ensure that the review is thorough, that it is consistent with decisions that have been made, and that the recommendations are robust in defence of the taxpayer and in the pursuit of openness and accountability for Members. Above all, we must ensure that this place and parliamentary democracy function correctly, and that the schemes that are put in place for Members support the work that they do and, preferably, are a lot less costly than they are at present. I urge Members to support the motion. Question put and agreed to. Ordered,"That it be an instruction to the Committee on Members' Allowances established under Standing Order No. 152G (Committee on Members' Allowances) that it review the operation of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 and make recommendations, giving due consideration to ensuring:""(a) value for money for taxpayers;""(b) accountability;""(c) public confidence in Parliament;""(d) the ability of Members to fulfil their duties effectively;""(e) fairness for less well-off Members and those with families; and""(f) that Members are not deterred from submitting legitimate claims."