Peers face tighter rules on travel expenses

A TIGHTENING of the rules for peers claiming travel expenses was announced today in the wake of the expenses scandal.

Chairman of committees Lord Brabazon of Tara said the rules were being changed for members of the Lords registering a new residential address outside greater London.

When claiming travel expenses they will have to produce one of a series of documents bearing their name and address.

The move, announced in a written statement, follows a series of high-profile scandals involving peers and MPs. This month expenses cheats Lord Taylor of Warwick and Lord Hanningfield were suspended from the House of Lords.

Peers approved a move to bar the disgraced former Tories, who have both served time in prison for their fraudulent claims.

Lord Taylor was jailed for 12 months for fraudulently claiming more than £11,000 and Lord Hanningfield for nine months after falsely claiming expenses of £13,379. Both were freed on licence in September.

The House of Lords privileges and conduct committee recommended that Lord Taylor should be barred for a year and Lord Hanningfield for nine months.

Peers can be suspended from the House, but not permanently excluded.