22 Aug 2014

Housing allowance boost for MPs

10:46 pm on 22 August 2014

MPs are to receive a big rise in their accommodation allowance through an annual lump sum payout for housing costs.

Until now, MPs have been reimbursed for what they spend on Wellington accommodation at up to $24,000 a year.

Legislation passed last year transferred responsibility for the entitlements from the Speaker of the House and the minister responsible for Ministerial Services, to the Remuneration Authority.

The authority has set the new limit for housing perks at $28,000, bringing it into line with Ministers and Parliament's speaker, who are entitled to a $41,000 lump sum.

However, it has tightened travel perks for MPs family members.

Instead of receiving unlimited travel, MPs spouses and partners will get 20 free domestic flights a year and Ministers' partners will get 30 flights.