New proposals would put about an extra $4000 a year in MPs' pockets for accommodation allowances, but tighten rules around when their partners can travel on taxpayers' dollars.
The proposed changes are in a draft from the Remuneration Authority, sent to all MPs this week for feedback but not released publicly.
A copy obtained by the Herald reveals a proposed boost in Wellington accommodation allowances, from $24,000 to $28,000 a year for MPs, and from $37,500 to $41,000 a year for ministers, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
A major change would provide MPs with a blanket annual allowance, instead of the current system where they have to be reimbursed for actual costs. This is thought to be a response to MPs rorting the system by claiming rent on properties they own in Wellington, where they can set their own rent and claim the maximum amount.
MPs would no longer be able to live together and each reap the maximum allowance. Instead each MPs' allowance would be cut, depending on how many MPs share the property.