Cost row breaks out over leaflets

POLITICIANS have engaged in a war of words over how their leaflets are paid for.

The House of Commons director general of resources is investigating Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas’s use of the communications allowance to deliver a “Parliamentary Newsletter” leaflet.

It follows a complaint by Oldham East and Saddleworth Liberal Democrats treasurer David Hampson.

The allowance has been phased out and was not meant to be used after January 1, with limited exceptions, but he says Mr Woolas’s leaflet, which states that it was funded by the communications allowance, is still being delivered against the rules.

Mr Hampson said: “I have asked the director general to instruct Mr Woolas to immediately cease distribution of the leaflets pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Mr Woolas should also immediately reimburse the taxpayer for the full cost of the leaflets. The public will not tolerate abuse of public money.”

But Mr Woolas says the leaflets were delivered in November and December and any delivered later must have been a mistake by volunteers.

And he turned the tables on the Lib-Dems by questioning where the local party got the money from for four full colour leaflets and a letter that was sent to every household through Royal Mail, which he says will have cost up to £18,000.