It has not been a good week for MPs of any persuasion. Their expenses have come in for very close scrutiny. At a time like this, when we are all cutting back, any perception that MPs are doing well out of the system is bound to be magnified.

Of particular concern is the allowance for a second home. It is easy to see why someone who serves a constituency 100 miles or more away from Westminster should have some form of allowance for accommodation. The irregular hours of Westminster can also mean late finishes for MPs.

It is clear that the rules on second homes need to be changed, even if it means they have to be more complex.

In Oxfordshire, for example, it would be easier to commute to Westminster from an Oxford constituency than the Witney one. Equally, in a position of responsibility such as that of a minister, party leader or shadow cabinet member, the demands of the job may require a second home in London however easy the commute.

The rules and regulations would need to be complex to reflect the many different circumstances of MPs. Enforced by an independent authority, this could be the best way of ensuring that our representatives can do their job and be fairly recompensed — and for it to be seen to be so by the electorate.