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Jack Straw’s council tax dodge ... and Two Loos Prescott
Nicholas Cecil08.05.09
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- MPs expenses: 5p shopping bag and chocolate Santa Claus...
- Darling's four 'second homes'
- Switchback Hoon built £1.7m property empire off expenses
- 'Pay these expenses or my wife will divorce me'
- Mandelson blasts press for smearing MPs with ‘stolen’ files
Jack Straw charged the taxpayer for double the amount of council tax that he was actually paying for four years.
The Justice Secretary claimed between £807 and £943 a year from Commons expenses to cover the levy on his Blackburn constituency home from 2004.
However, shortly after it emerged that the receipts of MPs' claims were to be made public, Mr Straw contacted the fees office to admit he had made a mistake over his council tax. In correspondence marked “in confidence”, he said: “I have been checking my claims since 04, and I have realised that my claims for council tax have been incorrect.”
The Cabinet minister wrote that because of a “50 per cent zero occupancy discount”, he had paid out far less than claimed and included a cheque for £1,395.88 to cover the difference.
“I am sorry,” he added. “I am afraid that the reality of life over the last few years is that I've often had to complete the claims in marginal time and without recourse to all the records.”
United front: former deputy prime minister John Prescott and his wife Pauline
But a month after sending this note on 20 July last year, Mr Straw realised that he had failed to repay the correct sum. Enclosing another cheque of £136.27 in a letter, he wrote: “Sorry about that too — accountancy does not appear to be my strongest suit.” Included in this correspondence was Mr Straw's March council tax bill, on which was written: “Say it's not zero occupancy — I live there.”
The former Foreign Secretary also repaid more than £200 to the taxpayer after overcharging on his mortgage.
A spokesman for the Justice Secretary said: “An error arose because the amount of interest declined towards the end of the mortgage. Mr Straw spotted errors in the claims for council tax and alerted the authorities. All claims made have been made in accordance with the rules of the Commons.”
The Justice Secretary also claimed more than £15,000 to renovate and furnish his Blackburn home which he claimed was more dilapidated than his daughter's student accommodation.
Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for International Development
Salary: £141,866
Sample expenses: claimed for second home in Renfrewshire April 2007 to March 2008
Food: £1,340
Utilities: £1,168
Telephone and communications: £365
Repairs/insurance: £1,607
Other: Bedding £550, CD player £69, painting £210, carpet £830, chimney relined £928, garage doors £420
Key claim: After spending £30,000 on the home which was damaged in a fire, he was given permission to kit out a new house while repairs were going on at the old house, claiming he was “under-insured”.
Response: “Following the fire which rendered my home uninhabitable ... I sought the advice of the House of Commons fees office to obtain their guidance as to what it was appropriate to claim in these circumstances, given my continuing need for accommodation to allow me to undertake my work as an MP.”
Margaret Beckett
Minister of State for Housing and Planning
Salary: £104,050
Sample expenses: claim for second home in Derby from 9 May 2005 to 31 January 2006
Food: £1,800
Utilities: £1,824
Telephone and communications: £191
Cleaning: £1,245
Service and maintenance: £1,920 (£600 disallowed for hanging baskets and tubs)
Other: £711 for labour and material costs to paint her summer house, shed and pergola (disallowed), £1,480.84 on a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, drier and washing machine on 20 March 2005.
Key Claim: £72,537 for second home between 2004 and 2008 despite having no mortgage or rent to pay on the property. During much of the time, she was living rent-free in Admiralty House in Whitehall.
Response: “Grace and favour homes are not rent-free, we are taxed on them as a benefit in kind.” She added the gardening bills were submitted by mistake.
Lord Mandelson
Business Secretary
Salary: £106,653
Sample expenses: claim for Hartlepool constituency home in July 2004
Heating and lighting: £27
Telephone: £20
Cleaning: £150
Gardening: £1,500
Food: £250
Newspapers: £100
TV licence: £10.49
House repairs: £1,350
Other: He claimed £450 for food in August and September 2004 which he said he consumed while staying overnight away from home.
Key claim: He claimed £3,000 for work carried out on his second home less than a week after he announced he was standing down as an MP in 2004.
Response: Lord Mandelson said: “The work done was necessary maintenance. All claims made were reasonable and submitted consistent with Parliamentary rules.”
Paul Murphy
Secretary of State for Wales
Salary: £141,866
Sample expenses: claim for second home in London from April 2007 to March last year
Food: £2,806
Utilities: £446.10
Cleaning: £121
Telephone and communications: £179.45
Other: £2,336.37 for the purchase of the freehold of his flat in March 2007, plus £1,799 in stamp duty. Also claimed £390 a month in mortgage interest payments and £687 for annual service charges. Microwave £139.93, DVD player £29.99, digibox £32.98, tin opener £6, curtains £284.40, lavatory roll holder £35, oven £537, carpet £1,674
Key claim: He claimed £3,419.25 in August 2007 for the cost of a new boiler at his Westminster home because the water in the old one was “too hot”
Response: A spokesman for Mr Murphy said: “The old boiler in his flat was declared unsafe and had to be replaced. The freehold purchase of the flat was in accordance with page 14 of the Green Book.”
Reader views (47)
Jack Straw is the Minister for Justice who presides over a government department that sends old ladies to prison for none payment of council tax and young mothers there for claiming a few pounds to much benefit.
While I agree Benefit fraud needs to be dealt with my question to Jack straw is this: How can you have any credibility as Minister for Justice when you are no better and possibly even worse than a Benefit cheat yourself.
I would like to know when our criminal justice system changed to that of a Banana Republic, where the poor are prosecuted because ‘Ignorance is no defence in Law’ yet the Rich and Powerful can use the exclusive defence of ‘Sorry or oops’ and just pay the fraud back if caught.
- Dave, London
This is British humour at its best. Keep it coming!
- Mark, Venice, Italy
Giv he morallaxity of this administration with respect to expenses we should be asking what other decisions have they made that any right thinking person would find suspect, - Hearhrow expasnion and the revolcving doors to BAA springs to mind as an example when the ill health, early death and misery to a huge number of people has been overlooked by the very people 'double dipping' our taxes - we should stop all governmewnt decisions until they can be idependently reviewed.
- Christian Ball, London, UK
No wonder Council Tax keeps going up through the roof,it looks like MP'S do not pay it? put it all to expenses.
- Stan White, leeds
It has been apparent to some of us for a long time that New Labour was fronted by a thief and a blaggard.All this about what M.P.s have claimed at our expense whilst we who are funding their extravagant lifestyle stuggle topay our bills. But then we must ask "What Tony Blair got away with?"after all he lived off the fat of the land and pandered to the whim of the Americans over Iraq and Afganistan which got this country into the red in the first place will he be called back to answer questions. I very much doubt it he jumped ship at the first sign of trouble and is now making millions pursuing a lecturing career in the U.S.A.and will be protected by the Masters he served.This now leaves the public hating and despising all M.P.s because now they are all tarred with the brush of corruption.Will the day ever dawn when we get honesty and integrity back in this country.
- K.Jackson, Kettering U.K.
There is a crime of "obtaining pecuniary advantage by deceit".Why have the police not instigated enquiries of most of the members of the Cabinet.The argument from our MPs seems to run "The system lends itself to misuse so we misused it".Why are we paying their food ?bills in second homes.Surely feeding oneself even with the appetite of Prescott should come out of their generous salaries.
- Peter Doff, york UK
Mike, London, No they will not be investigated, you should be aware that they have bought their own Police service, the Association of Chief Police Officers, an anti democratic organization that prospers under this crooked administration. With the able assistance of the failed lawyers society or as it is known in comedic circles the Crown Prosecution Service, a service providing justice for those in the Lords, commons and of course those that cross the palm with silver, corruption are us. And this is what our beautiful country has been polluted with, what a shame we all carry with us. However, we can all see that the British people are in a corner and once again we will fight this curse, democracy will win !
- Wills, Soton
If Jack Straw had been so busy and tied down by the weight of work, he might have forgotten to make a claim at all. Curiously this was not the case. Apparently his workload was not so onerous and he DID remember to claim and it was his lack of numeracy which led to this regrettable lapse.
It was also the certain knowledge earlier this year that MP's expense fiddles were soon to be published that triggered his conscience to make a hasty return of the cash he had trousered.
For New Labour this does not constitute any moral issue.
A man of 'straw' indeed. Or as the services have it, LMF
Low moral fibre.
- James Edwards, Dineault France
How is it that Jack Straw can claim expenses to pay Council Tax on his constituency home (never mind the 50% discount) when people in other jobs can't?
When I was forced to work away from home during weekdays I rented a small flat. I had to pay full Council Tax at home and (after changes by this government) I also paid 90% of the Council Tax on my flat. Nor could I claim expenses for either tax.
No coincidence that those who make the rules, can pay for a good lifestyle out of expenses while other people have to live off their salary.
- Wat Ascam, Derbyshire, England
In God's name can*t we have a general election: we are all sick to death of seeing this load of idiots lying throgh their teeth, saying: "I was only obeying the rules." Shades of Eichmann and his mantra " I was only obeying orders." In God's name go.
- Kevin Connealy, London England
Perhaps a genuine mistake, its right in line with all the other mistakes he and his cronies have made - only most of them are not fixable.
- Helen, norwich
The so called Labour party are truly shocking,no sooner into office on a moral ticket than they are corrupted beyond belief..we need a general election now..we do not want the police called in tio investigate the leak but to arrest and prosecute all of them Brown,beckett,straw ,blears Mandelson.DARLING and the rest of the criminals...what has happened to our country that these devils are running it for their own gain.
- Jean, London England
I seem to recall a furore some years back when several MPs were castigated over claiming travel allowances where they all shared the one car. Therefore, are we really surprised?
What is so annoying is the sheer gall in the response - it's within the rules, as if that was a sufficient excuse. These people are privileged with regardf to these expenses but with privilege comes responsibility. I cannot see a material difference in Sir Fred coining it with his pension and these people coining it with their dubious expenses claims. Politicians have been quick to throw mud at bankers [fully justified] but I think they should put there own house in order before they spew forth righteous indignation.
MPs, please try and rearrange the following: shouldn't, glasshouses, people in, stones, throw.
- Steven Dale, London, England
Hang on a sec.
If I have this right, Jack Straw - the JUSTICE secretary - has claimed twice the amount back from the tax-payer that he has paid in council tax.
Maybe I am just a simple soul that does not undertand these complex issues, but isn't that called fraud?
- Danny, London
I don't know why, but I am actually disappointed by Jack Straw, always thought he was a bit better than the others.
Oh, and by the way, his local council needs to speak to him about that zero occupancy discount, from what I understand it's only claimable in the long term if the house is unoccupied AND unfurnished...
- Karen, Barnet
do not vote, till some one pledges to REPRESENT you not the party. i will not vote for a party hack, who as sworn his or her allegiance to the party. when i hear worried electors say "you not allowed to say that" my thoughts go to those men and women who gave their all, so we could enjoy the freedom they gave us. i say shame on you who betrays them
- John Patrick Green, nottingham
I'd like to know where Paul Murphy goes to shop for a £35 toilet roll holder!!
- Laura, London WC1
How can they expect us to be law abiding citizens when they the leaders of the country are behaving like common greedy criminals.
- G.Diamond, Romford Essex
Can't wait to see the Tories' disclosures. I wonder if there will be the same level of righteous indignation when they are published.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
Apparently everyone knows that the system is wrong and needs changing. Why didn't "everyone" know this a year ago? Was it because these ridiculous expense claims hadn't been made public? And if the system is now wrong then how are they going to make the system better? Does making it better mean finding another way to rip off the voters without them knowing about it?
- Paul Murray, London, England
Why should they have their food paid for just because they are in their second homes?! Would they not otherwise have eaten on those particular nights?
I think it's very touching that Jack Straw does his own expenses: so he doesn't claim somewhere else for an allowance for a parliamentary assistant to do it for him?
- Roz, France
And these supercillious, pompous, patronising, overbearing crooks wonder why hardly anyone bothers to vote these days! We'd be better off voting for someone in Wormwood Scrubs.
- June O'Brien, London England
We are all being taken to the cleaners.Remember come voting time what your prospective MP's think and intend to do regarding expenses. There was a time not so long ago when your local MP was respected and not regarded as a total self server.This is dangerous for the morale and ethic of the UK. They are sending a message that it's ok to screw the system.
- Tony ,Essex, Harlow,UK
These people have demonstrated incompetence (they say they are not dishonest) in the management of their expenses --- what hope for their competence at the more complex task of government.
- C J Good, London UK
Absolute disgrace to what these ministers have been claiming for with our taxes.For years we've been heavily taxed by Labour through stealth a back dated taxes introduced by GB only to find that ministers have been abusing the system for years. Jack Straw must have indian geanology - for the way in which he was able to claim twice the council tax he actually paid for, and if I filled my tax return in by deducting costs for cleaners, hanging baskets etc, the tax man would throw the book at me ... what recourse have we got? except to vote to have these scroungers thrown out... what is so honourable about our MP's ... conversatives dont smirk .. surely your receipts are due to be published soon, lets hope they don't score a home goal!
- Raminder Bhalla, Northolt
Yes Howard, London. And she only now realises it is wrong when the lid is blown off it and the public no knows what they can and do claim for. Up until then it was OK.
Why do they not follow the commercial world's model? You are paid to do the job in one location and if you have to travel to another location to perform that job then you can claim out of pocket expenses?
- Graham, Colchester
Every day a new story about Politicians and their false accounting...it's all very well paying back the money when it is discovered...were it not then they would carry on. The sooner a few are made an example of then , and only then will the Public begin to have a little faith in those who purport to serve their electorate and not just their own self interst.....theiving , decietful, duplicitous, scurrilous politicians.Any one else would be arrested.
- Rosie, watford
I reckon the tories have some beauts coming too - hence their silence from Westminster. What a shambles. Why not just pay MPs a few quid more and scrap this crazy expense system.
- Bruce, Richmond
The taxpayer needs to be fair,Prescott would need two seats,there is no way he would fit on only one.
- David, london
Why isn't the fraud squad investigating these bogus claims? Is tacky Jacqui still claiming for her "main" home in her sister's spare room? Is her husband still being paid £40,000 p.a. for the role of "househusband"? Is Beckett still claiming for hanging baskets? Is Jowell still pretending she and her husband have separated? They are totally corrupt.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
What IS shocking is the number of ministers/MPs who after years of claiming for anything and everything suddenly rushed to have a good luck at their claims .... just before this all became public information 
- Marianne, SW France/London
Disgusted, is how I feel after reading these lists, it appears there is nothing that MP's pay for, they have absolutley no shame. I pay 40% tax, and have to pay all my own bills. Its pathetic to see Harriet Harman on the news being all high and mighty sying they recognise the sytem is wrong which is why they are changing it. I bet every criminal says, I wont do it again.
- Howard, London, UK
How can Mr Straw put in a claim for expences for council tax without proof of the actual payment. What hope does any law abiding person have in this country stitch up at both ends of the scale.
- Jajacjon, london
We still have details for other parties to come but what gets me is the number of basically petty cash amounts claimed!!
Processing these details must cost more than the amount being claimed!!
I suppose Alan Johnsons claims are in the post!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
The Standard, we thank you, all very understandable. It is hard to see the interpretations being spun from such straight forward rules.
As we the taxpayer are paying for goods, services, rent, rates and mortgages – in proportion or whole, surely we have joint ownership. As such after payment of capital gains tax we should also expect recover our proportion of such investments once an MP leaves our employment.
These payments are clearly not intended to be additional income, but just additional cost we have to bare for an MP to function. While a train ride or a taxi fare are incidentals, purchases of property, and material goods are for us as taxpayers our investments going forward – for an MP to assume rights over these is for them to commit theft.
As simple analogy would be a company salesman being supplied a company car, can’t assume that when he leave the employ of the company it becomes his property.
- Ian, Reading, England
Straw 50% discount for zero occupancy - If he wasn't living in it he can't claim for it.
- Billg, Slough
Theres a role for Straw in the stage show Oliver. Which one can it be, did someone say something about pockets?
- Jack Spratt, Richmond, England
Imcredible bunch of thieves!
- Jonathan Cudlipp, Twickenham
Hmmm. So Jack Straw's constituency home has "zero occupancy"? I trust he wasn't claiming for a second home when he didn't live in his "first home". Or was his constituency house his second home, for which he claimed "expenses" such as council tax, but which he didn't actually live in? Or was it not "zero occupancy"? Something smells and, of course, it all seems to be in his favour!
- Gc, London
It is scandalous when they avoid COUNCIL TAX when so many people struggle to pay this unjust tax.
The worst tax since the real POLL TAX and THE WINDOW TAX.
- Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD
Jack Straw knows that ignorance of the law is no excuse under the law; but as he is an MP, and senior member of New Labour; he will expect to be forgiven for his deceptions and indiscretions; premeditated, accidental, or in pure ignorance.
I know one should not judge a book by its cover; but I have always seen him as a shifty sort of person; but that is only my personal opinion; based on my own ignorance of the man; some call it instinct; but that is also no excuse under British law; facts are facts. innocent or guilty.
- Mickyinlondon, london
There will be a lot of MPs suddenly checking their expenses and more amazingly owning up to the errors of their way,but this is only because they have been caught out.Just like any common criminal,only sorry about being caught,not about what they have done.Are MPs would fit in well in the Zimbabe goverment.
- David, london
Roll on the election!
- Alan, Chigwell.UK
If this had happened to Joe Public their feet would not have touched the floor - they would have been ARRESTED, PHOTOGRAPHED, FINGERPRINTED, DNA'd, CHARGED, APPEARED IN COURT AND SENT TO PRISON.
It is not called the HOUSE OF CONMEN for nothing.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK
Strange how Jack Straw's accounting errors seem to always be in his favour...
- Save Us From Labour, London
I find it sickening to read these claims for expenses.
All of the ones listed in this article earn over £100,00 yet what they claim for beggars belief.
Whilst they may have been operating within the rules, they clearly have no morals. The sooner the rules are changed the better.
- Flo, London, UK
Will these crooks ever face criminal charges for theft like the rest of us would?
- Mike, London England
