John Lewis: The store is the benchmark against which MPs can claim expenses
Posted on 03/14/2008 6:04:54 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Last updated at 07:50am on 14th March 2008
John Lewis: The store is the benchmark against which MPs can claim expenses |
They are allowed to claim a total of £22,000 for a range of items ranging from a £200 food processor and a £750 high-definition TV to £10,000 for a new kitchen and £6,000 for a bathroom.
The secret list of 38 items MPs can claim back from the taxpayer for their second homes was revealed last night under the Freedom of Information Act after the authorities fought to keep it under wraps.
The "John Lewis" list is so called because it is based on prices at the upmarket department store, which specialises in top-of-the-range goods.
It will heap further pressure on MPs who are already under attack for the long list of perks they have awarded themselves, including help with mortgage costs and travel expenses.
Speaking on GMTV this morning, David Cameron said he had told Conservative MPs that they must be happy to defend their expenses in public.
He added: "We need to have better visibility and openness... People want to know that their MPs are working hard and are not taking money that they shou
The revelation that MPs can claim for luxury entertainment systems caused fury last night.
Former anti-sleaze MP Martin Bell said the payments were 'abuses' and that public trust in politics would plunge to "below rock bottom".
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the public were increasingly angry about the "scandal" of MPs' expenses and things needed to change rapidly.
The revelation comes only weeks after Tory MP Derek Conway owned up to claiming salaries for his two sons and a family friend, even though they did little work.
The most recent figures show the average MP claims more than £135,000 in allowances.
 Derek Conway: He was embroiled in a different row over MPs spending |
On top of this, they earn more than £67,000 a year - a figure they set themselves - and have what has been described as the most generous pension scheme in the world.
Until last night, the Commons refused to divulge how much MPs may claim under the "Additional Costs Allowance" to furnish second homes so they can have a base in London as well near their constituency.
Even MPs did not know the upper limits until officials were forced to release the list, because of fears that it would encourage MPs to buy the most expensive item they could get away with.
Andrew Walker, the Commons' director general of resources, recently told the Information Tribunal: "My concern would be that if we say what the maximum price we will allow for such an item is, it will become the going rate."
The document lists the prices for 38 household items which MPs can claim under the Additional Costs Allowance.
They can claim up to a maximum of £22,000 - and many do.
Limits include £1,000 for a bed, £250 for a coffee table, £600 for a dining table, £500 for a dressing table and £550 for a fridge-freezer.
Carpets and wood flooring can be bought at £35 per square metre.
Not all the items are essential. Comparing the list with the John Lewis website shows MPs may claim a free high-definition TV set, costing £749, a £249 home cinema system and a Kenwood classic food mixer at £199.
Rugs can be bought for £300, which could include a luxury hand-knotted Pakistan Bokhara rug from John Lewis, described on the website as "soft and velvety".
The list also reveals that dry cleaning for clothes and household items is permitted "within reasonable limits".
However, "antique, luxury or premium-grade" furnishings are not allowed. Neither are "extravagant or luxurious" items.
Martin Bell said: "You simply couldn't make this up. It shows yet again that the reform of parliamentary expenses cannot be left to MPs themselves.
Scroll down for more...
High-quality televisions: MPs can claim up to £750 towards a set
"These are abuses and if these people were employees of private companies they couldn't get away with it.
"We are in a state of crisis and people are getting really angry. If it is possible for the reputation of politicians to go below rock bottom then this is going to achieve it.
"Some of the things on this list are luxury items and the people who are getting money back on these are ripping off the public purse."
The Additional Costs Allowance is available to MPs living outside central London - the vast majority - to cover the interest payments on their mortgages, rent or hotel accommodation.
But Mr Walker told the Information Tribunal last month that most costs associated with their second residence can be claimed back even if they are not exclusively work-related.
They can also claim up to £400 a month for shopping without receipts.
Michael Martin, the Speaker of the Commons, faced questions when it was disclosed he has claimed more than £75,000 under the Additional Costs Allowance despite not having a mortgage on his second residence.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "John Lewis is a fine store but it is hardly the cheapest place to purchase household goods.
"How many ordinary taxpayers spend £1,500 on a TV and stereo when there are cheaper deals elsewhere?
"No wonder the Government wastes so much money, if MPs don't have to stick to a tight budget themselves."
Labour MP David Winnick urged the current review of MPs' expenses, which is being carried out by the Members' Estimate Committee chaired by Mr Martin, to look into the "John Lewis" list.
"It does look rather expensive for a number of items and obviously the public will say 'Why should John Lewis be the benchmark?'," Mr Winnick said.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg told BBC Radio 4's PM programme: "Clearly the recent scandals about MPs' pay and expenses have delivered a real hammer blow to public confidence in politics."
Ping!
From what I read, these are only items that they can claim *tax deductible* on their income tax, so the title is very misleading, especially to Americans.
It seems pretty much a “class warfare” article.
I remember an old movie about Oliver Cromwell in which one of the MPs being escorted from the Parliament said—”but what is the purpose in being a Member of Parliament,if not to make oneself rich?”
Socialism is not very efficient.. its an Oligarchy..
Politicians are the finacial crisis.
No, this seems to be actual tax-free expense reimbursement.
“From what I read, these are only items that they can claim *tax deductible* on their income tax, so the title is very misleading, especially to Americans. It seems pretty much a “class warfare” article.”
You read wrong. These are perks, not tax deductions. I am sure congress has similar perks here, they are just more careful not to let the public know about them.
These pols need term limits badly.
btt
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.