It is of some note that the new regime introduced last year for MPs' expenses, within the Incidental Expenditure Provision (the IEP, the allowance where "petty cash" can be claimed), has reduced the monthly "petty cash" claim possible from £250 to £50.

That's one hell of a change - not shaving off - that is five times less. Annually that is £600 instead of a huge £3,000.

So, an MP can get by quite satisfactorily - according to Parliament - on £50 for "petty cash" per month (and that's for two offices - my MP appears to run just one). Bearing in mind that all office costs like stationary etc. can be claimed in addition to the petty cash this new reduced amount seems a generous enough level as a maximum for any one month.

We have not seen - at least I haven't noticed - has anyone - that MPs have suddenly become unable to run their offices effectively?

So, Parliament themselves have felt that £250 a month for "petty cash" is - quite frankly - ridiculous - and have changed it. This increases the question mark over Mr Oliver Heald's "petty cash" claims previously. Just how does anyone justify £250 a month when Parliament, on reflection, believe £50 is adequate?

We are left wondering - could it just be that £250 was not necessary at all - as it is not now - and could it just possibly be that Heald (along with others) have had one means of "milking" the tax payer closed down. Well amen to that!