Brown to overhaul MP expenses

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised a parliamentary vote as early as next week to overhaul the system of expenses for members of parliament.



Mr. Brown said second home expenses for parliamentarians should be replaced by a flat-rate to be paid based on their attendance in the House of Commons.



Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is among MPs criticised over their use of the allowance, worth up to 24, 000 pounds a year.



Mr. Brown said the new system will be simpler and less generous.



The government wants changes in place by July - the same month all MPs\' expenses claims, with receipts, dating back to 2004 are to be published after a long Freedom of Information battle.