Decisions 21 July 2008
Monday 21 July 2008 at 5pm in Speaker's House
Present:
The Speaker, in the Chair
Sir Stuart Bell
Nick Harvey
Leader of the House
Mr David Maclean
Mrs Theresa May
1. VISITOR RECEPTION BUILDING: LESSONS LEARNED (Commission)
The Commission took note of the report on lessons learned and agreed to the main findings being disclosed in answer to a Parliamentary Question before the recess.
2. 25-YEAR ESTATES STRATEGY (Commission)
The Commission took note of the paper and re-affirmed its decision of April 2007 that a feasibility study be conducted of options for vacating the Palace in order to undertake the mechanical and electrical work.
3. REVIEW OF ALLOWANCES: TAKING STOCK (MEC)
The MEC agreed that the Department of Resources should make progress with preparatory work in uncontroversial areas, where the requirements are clearthe London Supplement, resettlement grant, travel thresholds for constituency mileage, central provision of constituency office premises, staff contracts and the Communications allowance.
It was further agreed that any changes to the Green Book brought forward by the Advisory Panel on Members Allowances would have to be considered by the MEC before implementation.
4. CHILDCARE FOR MEMBERS (MEC)
It was agreed to refer this issue to the Administration Committee.
5. STAFF PAY (Commission)
The Commission agreed that senior staff pay should be increased in line with the recent SSRB recommendations for SCS pay in government departments.
6. FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT
The Commission took note of the report.
7. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Commission/MEC will take place at 5pm on Monday 20 October in Speaker's House.