Ban on MPs employing their family

By Robin Brant Newsbeat political reporter Employing relatives could be phased out within the next five years

After months of scandals over their expenses, MPs have finally been told what the new rules are likely to be.

They include a ban on claims for things like gardening and cleaning and they won't be allowed to employ family members any more.

So there'll be no more claims for duck ponds, second homes on the taxpayer and no more hiring the wife or kids.

This report means big change is coming at parliament.

There are two ways of seeing the new rules; the gravy train, easy money or the good old days, whatever you want to call it, are over.

Or the other view; MPs are being punished for the behaviour of a greedy few and now there's a risk only rich men will end up representing you.

The headline reforms being proposed, and almost certainly accepted in parliament, include no more taxpayers footing the bill for mortgages on MPs' second homes near parliament.

MPs won't be allowed to pocket the profit on a place bought by the taxpayer.

Also there'll be a ban on expense claims for stuff in those second homes such as TVs, fridges, duck houses and porn films.

The man in charge of the review, Christopher Kelly, thinks they should stay in hotels or rent a place during the week when they have to be near parliament.

He also thinks it's wrong to carry on employing, and paying from taxpayer pockets, wives, husbands and partners.

Some argued it could help keep marriages together but he thinks it looks shady.

One in three MPs employs an immediate relative. That will end but they've got five years to find another job.

That could be done and dusted by the time of the next general election, which must be by June next year.

The leaders of the three main parties have accepted the new rules in full and now there is immense pressure on MPs to accept it.

They will get the final word, so it's likely in the end they will back the changes.

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