The chairman of the committee on standards in public life has said his proposals for a wide-ranging shake up of MPs' expenses system will bring them into line with other parliaments. Skip related content
As expected, his report recommends an end to MPs claiming mortgage interest and in future any capital gains made on property will be surrendered to the taxpayer.
He also recommended that the practice of employing family members should stop "by the end of the next Parliament," meaning a reprieve of sorts for the 200 or so wives and children employed by MPs.
"The recommendations for change that we are publishing today aim to strike a balance," Sir Christopher said.
"On one hand ensuring that MPs are properly supported and fully reimbursed for necessary costs incurred in doing their important work and on the other providing strong safeguards for the taxpayer to prevent the abuses of the past.
"Our proposals are reasonable and fair and bring Westminster into line with other walks of life and other legislatures.
"They recognise the unique circumstances of an MP's life but are shorn of the special features which gave scope for exploitation.
"We realise that the new system will involve substantial change for MPs and where necessary we have recommended periods of transition."
The final decision on the new expenses regime will be taken by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa).
Expected to begin work in Spring 2010, Ipsa will create for the first time a system of independent regulation of MPs' salaries, allowances and financial interests.
Among Sir Christopher's recommendations are an end to claims for gardening, home furnishings, food and the communication allowance.
However, he concluded that MPs should not be prohibited from paid employment such as journalism outside the Commons, within "reasonable limits".
He also called for an end to 'double jobbing' where an MP is also a member of another assembly.
The prime minister has already told MPs to back the Kelly report.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The pandemic of swine flu may be hitting a peak in the Northern Hemisphere, global health officials said on Friday, but they cautioned it was far from over.
