There's been a decidedly muted reaction to Gordon Brown's surprise package of reforms to MPs' allowances, with the proposals already under fire for potentially leading to a "clocking on" culture among MPs who, instead of a second homes allowance, could end up with a flat-rate attendance allowance.

So, why has Gordon Brown acted now after asking the Committee on Standards in Public Life to carry out a wide-ranging review? his explanation is here but I suspect another motive.

One reason is that the Government is acutely aware that in July, it is likely to face another slew of damaging headlines and stories with the publication of detailed receipts of every MP's claims going back several years.

Journalists will be queuing up to go over these receipts with a fine tooth comb, knowing that buried among them will be more incriminating evidence of how the current arrangements have been abused or exploited by MPs. With their release expected over the traditionally quiet news period of the summer, the papers, TV and airwaves could be full of Jacqui Smith-type stories for weeks.

I've been told that Brown has already been warned that there are a few nasty shocks in store. Being able to say that he has already taken some action might just head off some of the criticism.

Meanwhile, however flawed they may be, I predict MPs will back Gordon Brown's changes - possibly in a vote early next week. The cynic in me suspects that swapping a daily allowance without the need to produce any receipts might be a more palatable option than having every receipts for your toaster, pot plants and High Definition TV being scrutinised by the public.

Meanwhile, the Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson has made some valid points in arguing that a review of allowances ought to incorporate a consideration of the fairly extreme working hours of MPs, their final pensions and how they pay office staff.