Section 28: Transparency etc
163.Subsection (2) inserts a new section 3A into the 2009 Act which places the IPSA under a general duty to have regard to the principles that it should act in a way which is efficient, cost-effective and transparent. This general duty will replace the narrower duty on IPSA to do things efficiently and cost-effectively set out in paragraph 10 of Schedule 1 to the 2009 Act (that paragraph will be repealed by paragraph 7(2) of Schedule 5 to the Act). IPSA will also be required to have regard to the principle that MPs should be supported in efficiently, cost-effectively and transparently carrying out their parliamentary functions.
164.Subsection (3) amends section 5 of the 2009 Act (which requires the IPSA to prepare and keep under review an allowances scheme) so as to require the IPSA to publish, alongside the allowances scheme and any revisions to it, a statement of its reasons for adopting the scheme or making revisions to it.
165.Subsection (4) amends section 6 of the 2009 Act (which sets out the framework for dealing with claims under the allowances scheme) to require the IPSA to publish information about each claim for an allowance submitted by an MP and each payment made by the IPSA in response to such a claim. The precise information to be published and the frequency of publication will be a matter for the IPSA in accordance with the procedures it determines for this purpose. The IPSA is required to consult specified consultees, and other persons it considers appropriate, before determining such procedures (new section 6(10) of the 2009 Act).