Local MPs disclose second-home claims

DETAILS of all expense claims put in by Oldham MPs are now available to view on line.

The Commons authority have released the 2008-09 additional cost allowance — the part of MPs expenses which allows them to run a second property in London.

The ACA caused much controversy earlier this year after abuses of the system were uncovered.

MPs could claim a maximum of £24,006 in 2008-09 to run their London home — Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas claimed £23,987, Ashton MP David Heyes £19,017 and Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher £8,267.

Mr Woolas spent more than £1,000 on cleaning and £325 on gardening services.

The 2008/09 claims for the Oldham East and Saddleworth MP show included in the gardening cost was £140 for pruning an apple tree. No household items were purchased by the Labour MP and all items were receipted.

Mr Woolas said: “All my expenses have been put on my website. They are within the rules and the second-home allowance is necessary to allow ordinary people to become MPs, not just rich people.”

Regular payments for £1,068.88 were made for mortgage interest on his second home, and council-tax bill, water, electricity and a landline bill was also paid. Mr Woolas submitted monthly claims for food between £200 and £400.

Mr Heyes did not claim for any household items on his expenses. The Labour MP, whose constituency includes Hollinwood and Failsworth, submitted monthly payments for rent of £1,300 and food bills ranging from £49 to £118. A council tax bill for £507.63 was also reimbursed.

Mr Heyes said: “I never thought it was right to buy a house on the parliamentary allowances to benefit from the taxpayer.”

Utility bills for water, electricity and a landline were also submitted.

Mr Meacher claimed £500 for a new sofa and regular payments for a cleaner. The Oldham West and Royton MP paid his cleaner £80 a month, his expenses show.

A claim for £92 for paid for repairs to damage caused by damp. A £510 Ikea sofa was also purchased.

Mr Meacher said: “I always claim about a third of the allowance, but I take no credit for this. I have a pretty modest house in Oldham and I think the taxpayer wants us to have a modest residence.”

Regular payments for £221 were submitted for mortgage interest and utility bills and council tax were also reimbursed.