Just weeks after a row over the level of expenses being paid out by the Commons authorities, MPs have voted to increase their allowances.

Following a recommendation by the senior salaries review body (SSRB), staffing allowances will increase by around eight per cent to £72,000, and will rise to £80,460 for MPs employing three full time members of staff.

Commons leader Peter Hain said the rises were needed to allow MPs to carry out their democratic functions.

But the decision comes just weeks after freedom of information legislation forced parliamentary authorities to reveal that MPs are already claiming an average of £118,437 each in expenses - a total of £78 million a year.

They also voted by 239 votes to 109 against an SSRB recommendation that only London MPs should be entitled to the full £80,460 staffing allowance.

Hain insisted that "contrary to the lurid headlines these allowances do not all go to line our own pockets".

"They are essential if we are to function as effective MPs, both at Westminster and in our constituencies and all claims are within agreed rules," he said.

The new amounts will take effect from April 2005, and will also raise the allowance for London MPs from £1,618 to £2,500.

And allowances for computer and IT support are also set to be increased.