The tax-free attendance handout, which comes on top of a £60,000 salary, would be paid to all MPs in a major shake-up of their controversial expenses. The new payment, designed to cover the cost of living in London, is being considered by a committee set up by the Speaker.

It would replace the existing second homes allowance, which has been heavily criticised for being too lax, but critics last night said it would encourage a “turn up, sign in and go home” culture because MPs would not have to attend debates or vote to get the extra cash.

Lib Dem MP Norman Baker, who has campaigned for greater transparency about expenses, described the move as a backward step.

“I think the public will see this as a cynical fix,” he said. “It is further evidence that a culture of openness has not taken root at Westminster.

“Any allowances should be directly related to expenses MPs have actually incurred because they are doing a job in London. It would be quite wrong to pay a flat daily rate that has no relation to the actual costs."

Do YOU think our MPs are money-grabbing freeloaders? Should they be given a £160-day-allowance for turning up to work?

Have YOUR say...