It seems that every week there is a new scandal revolving around MP’s expenses. Whether it is a taxi fare to the supermarket, claiming up to £23,083 for a couple of nights a week in a sister/parent’s home, or even for watching a porn movie or two.

I have been saying for a while now that MPs should be paid more, but have to claim all of their expenses from their salary. This way they would be treated in the same way as any self-employed businessman, with the same scrutiny from HMRC. With this system in place many of the claims that they can currently put in would verge on the fraudulent. It appears that Alan Duncan shares my view in this, although he has insisted that it isn’t party policy.

If this option doesn’t appeal to you, then surely there must be an increased transparency in the expenses system. At the moment it seems that the rules are very open, and can easily be twisted to the advantages of those that morally don’t mind squeezing as much from us taxpayers as possible. The John Lewis list must be removed. Why should MP’s be able to claim a new kitchen? For what purpose do they need it to do their job?

At least it appears that it is slowly dawning on Westminster that change is due. Let’s hope this change arrives sooner rather than later.