Lords claim millions in expenses despite barely speaking in Parliament...

Peers who have barely spoken in the House of Lords for an entire year have claimed more than £7m in expenses and allowances, new research reveals.

Critics have condemned the “something-for-nothing culture” in the second chamber after analysis of official figures found that 115 peers – around one in seven – failed to speak at all in debates during the 2016-17 session, despite claiming more than £1.3m in attendance fees.

Analysis by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) found that nearly half of the 798 peers made 10 contributions or fewer in the same year, claiming £7.3m, while some £4m was pocketed by 277 members who spoke five times or fewer. 

The research prompted calls for a move away from “couch-potato peers” towards an elected upper House with a smaller number of salaried peers, instead of current rules where members do not receive a salary but can claim up to £300 for sitting days. Full story...