Published: Friday, 30th May, 2008 16:30
Idea to sort MP expenses
By Dan Gowar
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THIS week, it emerged that Westminister MPs are thinking of awarding themselves £23,000 a year as a single payment to cover a second home in London.
Aside from a handsome wedge disappearing into trouser and skirt pockets, it would save some MPs being embarrassed by the disclosure of the various expenses they have been claiming, albeit legitimately, for their second property.
It’s all about the Additional Costs Allowance which doles out cash to MPs when they have to stay in London during the week. Quite reasonably, one could not expect politicians to commute daily from constituencies far from the House of Commons. However, this allowance may be claimed by MPs whose main home is within the London area.
What gets me is that MPs can buy a second home and have the mortgage paid by the taxpayer. If de-selected or voted out at the next election, are MPs required to sell the property and hand back any profit? Don’t be silly.
So, at a time when many constituents are struggling to cover the mortgage on their only homes, the taxpayer is continuing to fund a second property for our Westminister representatives. Brilliant.
There is a simple solution. Build a large accommodation block somewhere in London where all MPs can live under the same roof, aside from senior politicians with official residences. MPs wouldn’t be charged for board and lodgings and they could get a free laundry service. A shuttle bus could run to and from the Commons.
It would be tempting to design this accommodation as a complex of mixed-sex dormitories with communal showers and a canteen. In fairness, it would likely require to comprise modest apartments with hotel-type room service (but no free firewater).
The country would surely save a fortune against MPs claiming 23 grand a year for second homes, and the apartments could be rented to tourists during Parliamentary recesses.
MPs would not have the hassle of filling out expense forms and presenting receipts. They could then devote more time to helping constituents.
Guess which group of people might be most opposed to this idea?
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