THE process of reviewing every claim and receipt made by Monmouth MP David Davies over the past four years - is now underway.

In defining its role, the independent panel agreed with Mr Davies that they would scrutinise all his claims up to March 31 this year, and Mr Davies agreed that he intends to be entirely open about every claim he's made, since becoming MP 

The panel, is working independently of the MP, other than requests for further paperwork or points of clarification.

The panel has met twice to define its terms of reference, and has started the process of checking every aspect of Mr Davies's previous claims.

While the 'second homes allowance' (formerly known as the Additional Costs Allowance) is the one which has caused most public controversy, the panel will also look at all other claims made.

These include claims for mileage and travel; office and staff costs; and those made from the communications allowance.

Mr Davies will provide all documentation either from his office, or the House of Commons Fee Office, on request from the independent panel. The panel intends to publish a report once all claims have been scrutinised. That report will include an assessment by the panel of how it believes claims were handled by Mr Davies during his first four years as a new MP for the Monmouth constituency.

The panel was formed after a public statement and invitation from the MP in which he said that he wanted all of his past, present, and future expenses reviewed and assessed - in light of the revelations and public anger about MPs expenses.

Panel members include, political and investigative journalist Paul Starling, he said, "I have agreed to get involved, in what is an independent panel, because of the anger and disquiet amongst the public about MPs expenses. It is doing great damage to democracy. Exposing the truth is the only way to end that.  David Davies has committed himself to being entirely transparent.

"It is our job now to assess whether he has acted not only within the 'spirit' as well as the letter' of the rules, but also in a way that any reasonable person would expect. That we will do". 

Sandy Blair (former director of the Welsh Local Government Association, and once a Labour General Election candidate), "I believe strongly in the constitutional role of Parliament and share the concern of most of the public that this most important institution and bastion of our rights is being undermined by the conduct of some members.

"We will examine the expenses and allowances claims against the principles and rules set out by Parliament and against what is commonly understood to be both reasonable and ethical."

Sue Pritchard, (management consultant and former Chair of Monmouthshire Local Health Board), "We are approaching this with open minds. The important thing is to look at the evidence and offer an independent view on how the rules and the principles have been applied.  

"We can then make this available to the public in Monmouthshire who will be able to make up their own minds.  I believe this open and transparent scrutiny is a healthy development and could go some way towards rebuilding trust in our democratic processes."

Bernard Morgan (retired chartered accountant), "It is my role to provide a detailed assessment of all of the claims. The panel agreed that, once I had done that, each member would then scrutinise every detail of those claims.

"What will then emerge, no doubt, will be a series of questions. We are entering into this with no pre-suppositions.  We will follow the detail, and then see what emerges".