In September, the Auditor-General received some requests to inquire into the way parliamentary and ministerial accommodation entitlements are administered and how they have been applied in relation to Hon Bill English. We gathered extensive background information on the two systems for administering accommodation entitlements and analysed their application to individual circumstances, including those of Mr English.
Key Results
Improving the rules and administrative systems
In our view, the issues that require further attention relate to the improvement of both sets of rules and the two administrative systems for ministerial and parliamentary accommodation entitlements. The ministerial rules have been reviewed and will be amended and the parliamentary rules are about to be. We agree that this is necessary and recommend that both of these rule change processes specifically consider the interface between the two systems, to ensure a smooth transition from one system to the other, and that any differences in the systems are deliberate and clear.
In particular, we recommend that the aim be to develop a simple and sensible system for providing MPs and Ministers with appropriate support for the costs of their accommodation while in Wellington. The system should be:
- clear and well explained;
- grounded in principle, with a clear purpose and scope;
- controlled by appropriate checks and limits;
- transparent; and
- seamless for those receiving the support, whether they are an MP or a Minister.
As with the administration of all public money, the system should also reflect the fundamental principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and value for money. We emphasise that the system needs to be able to be understood not only by those administering it, but also by those to whom service is being provided, and by the general public who fund it.
We endorse the new practice of publicly releasing information at regular intervals on the various support arrangements for MPs and Ministers that are being funded by the public purse. It is an important step towards better transparency and accountability.