Look after MPs – Moyo

Moyo said the commission should be a constitutional issue so that it becomes easier to implement.

There is a need for a proper separation of powers between the Executive and Parliament which should go as far as allocating resources. The new constitution should provide for a Parliament Service Commission with autonomy to look into issues of Parliament. It will not be easy to implement without a Bill, but if provided for in the constitution, it would give autonomy in terms of decision making to set guidelines for Parliament, said Moyo.

He said because of inadequate funding, Parliament had not been able to pay MPs their allowances for the first session of the Seventh Parliament to date. He said MPs were only getting coupons whenever they met as portfolio committees or for Parliament.

Since the start of the first session of the Seventh Parliament, MPs have not been paid their travelling and vehicle allowances when they come for various committee meetings. Parliament has an obligation for giving sitting allowances, but with the situation on the ground it is difficult, he said.

Moyo said Parliament has thus depended largely on funds from its development partners rather than from Treasury.