Heather Brooke wins FOI fight

Heather Brooke, a visiting fellow in City's Department of Journalism, has won her fight to disclose the detailed breakdown of MPs' Additional Costs Allowance claims.

Heather Brooke, a visiting fellow in City's Department of Journalism, has hit the headlines after winning her fight to disclose the detailed breakdown of MPs' Additional Costs Allowance claims.


The judgement handed down from the Information Tribunal, which adjudicates on disputes involving the Freedom of Information Act, dismissed the appeal by the House of Commons not to put more details about MPs’ second home allowance into the public domain.

 

As a result MPs’ expenses will be laid bare so the public has access to a fully itemised record of their spending by claim and receipt, a ruling which brings Westminster in line with the Scottish Parliament.

 

Heather, a Freedom of Information (FOI) campaigner, says: “This ruling will wrest control from the old boys’ club and put it back where it belongs – with the constituents.

 

“All honest and hard-working MPs will welcome this opportunity to prove their openness to the electorate.  What’s disappointing is that it took three years of concerted effort to counter the relentless opposition from the House of Commons Commission and Speaker Michael Martin. By their secrecy, these officials have severely damaged public trust in Parliament."



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Date of Article:  03/03/2008