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New reimbursement of members' expenses scheme introduced at Holyrood

News Release (Parliament) issued by The Scottish Parliament on 1 October 2008

A new system for reimbursing MSPs for the costs they incur in carrying out their parliamentary duties is being introduced today by the Scottish Parliament.

Following an independent review and a parliamentary debate earlier this year, MSPs agreed the terms of the new scheme which will see:

* an end to mortgage interest payments on Edinburgh accommodation,

* a new register for declaring the employment of relatives, and

* a separate provision to meet the salary costs of staff who support Members in carrying out their duties.

Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson said:

"The new scheme has the benefit of being less bureaucratic and more transparent, reflecting the public's continuing support for a system based on openness and accountability for which this Parliament has an excellent reputation."

Full details of the new scheme which comes into effect on 1 October 2008 are available at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/corporate/spcb/publications/index.htm

The Parliament's website includes:

* The Presiding Officer's letter to all MSPs with outline of the scheme

* The full terms of the Reimbursement of Members' Expenses scheme

* Guidance on the Registration of Employment Family Relationships

* Guidance to MSPs on the overall scheme.

For public information enquiries, contact:

Telephone: 0131 348 5000 / 0800 092 7500 (Public Enquiries) / 0131 348 5395 (Gaidhlig)

Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100. We also welcome calls using the RNID Typetalk service.

Email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk

You can now get in touch with the Parliament by text message. Our interactive service enables you to get the name of your MSP by sending your postcode, lets you ask questions about the Parliament and its work, and enables you to request a selection of free leaflets. The number to take advantage of is 07786 209888. Texts are charged at standard network rates. More details can be found on our Text Service page.