MPs struggle with new rules as expenses scandal bites
Some are calling the latest set of expense claims from our MPs, .
And you can perhaps see why.
A look at the claims under a revised system which began in April already make it far more difficult for MPs to claim many of the items they did in the past.
And even in 2008/9 the whole atmosphere changes with MPs being challenged by the Fees Office far more times than they were previously.
The changes in the expenses system cause continual confusion for the MPs too as they struggle to adjust to the new regime.
There are countless reminders from the Fees Office that they must submit receipts for any claim over £25 (previously it had been over £250).
It's interesting just how many begin to abandon their claims for cleaning when asked for receipts.
Although one MP pointed out to me that as soon as their cleaner was asked to provide one, they never turned up again, presumably because so many are operating cash in hand.
The biggest cleaning claimant, Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dem Phil Willis, did though produce receipts (He has since repaid some of the money he claimed).
Even some efforts to work within the system fall foul of the new atmosphere though.
submitted a series of claims in one month for £24, to have them refused on the basis they weren't going to pay amounts which looked nominal rather than on the basis of actual money spent.
After that his claims are made with receipts.
Some others who you think might be well informed get confused too.
Minister for the North East and Chief Whip is not one of the biggest claimers, but he, like many others, did put in claims for the maximum of £400 per month for food.
He made his usual £400 claim for food in April 2009, only to have it rejected as the system had changed to a maximum of £25 for every day an MP was away from their main home.
Others submitted claims for toiletries, which are not allowed.
Here's a few other items gleaned from the latest claims. Again all were within the rules and are certainly not among the most extravagant, but they are publicly available so you can make your own mind up.
- asked to repay £1,444 council tax claimed in 2007/8 on his constituency home which he seems to have claimed because his constituency office was based there. The Fees Office say that wasn't allowed. I'm checking with his office to see if it was paid back and what the circumstances were.
, Blaydon - claimed £1,174 for a new shower, and £1,500 to replace a boiler.
, Hexham - claimed £2,500 for new windows in his second home in London.
, Scarborough and Whitby - claimed £260 for an Agra Twist rug and £589 for a bed.
, Jarrow - had claims rejected for razors, soap, fabric conditioner and tissues. Claimed £75.54 for sheets and kitchen equipment including a pizza cutter. He claimed £149.50 for a dark faux drawer media cabinet.
, Easington - claimed £438 for a bed and £98.60 for bed linen. Had a claim of £21 for toiletries turned down.
, Bishop Auckland - claimed £202.50 for Laura Ashley blinds, £124.50 for a chest and £60.75 on tablecloths.
, Redcar - claimed £1,300 for office furniture, £3.94 for a bin from Woolworths, and £1.47 for cable clips from Wilkinsons.
I'm Richard Moss, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Political Editor for the North East and Cumbria. Welcome to my irreverent - but hopefully insightful - northern take on reporting politics for Look North and the Politics Show.
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