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Stop MPs using public cash for second mortgages, say experts
Nicholas Cecil, Deputy Political Editor7 Sep 2009
MPs should be banned from using taxpayer's money to pay for a mortgage on a second home, says an authoritative report.
The study by financial experts KPMG proposed sweeping changes to MPs' expenses in the wake of the scandals that rocked Parliament.
They include:
Restricting second home claims to rental payments and utility costs.
Limiting this second home allowance to MPs whose constituencies are at least a 90-minute commute to Parliament.
Ruling that an MP's constituency home is the “main home” — to stop the practice of “flipping” the designation of properties for expenses purposes.
An independent review of MPs' claims to look at value for money, compliance and tax implications.
Making it clear that MPs who flout the rules will be dealt with “swiftly and appropriately”.
KPMG was commissioned by the Committee on Standards in Public Life for its inquiry into MPs' pay and allowances.
The report concluded that guidelines for MPs should “indicate a preference” for them to stay in hotels while working at Westminster or in rented accommodation.
“The reimbursement of business expenses should be just that,” KPMG added in the report.
“There should be no personal element or private gain available to the MP in relation to this.”
Reader views (4)
ALL second homes MUST be sold and the proceeds returned to the treasury. MPs guilty of misappropriation of tax payers' money must face criminal charges. Justice must not just be done - it must be seen to be done. The cesspit which Westminster has become must be "flushed out" and new independent MPs elected - who will have a sense of decency, honesty and integrity (qualities lacking in the current incumbents).
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 08/09/2009 08:46
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MPs who have acquired second homes must be made sell these homes when they lose their seats at the next election and return the proceeds to the treasury. They have acquired the homes by misappropriation of tax payers' money. All those who have made fraudulent claims for non-existent mortgages must face criminal charges. Their arrogance is staggering and their abuse of the expenses system contemptible.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 07/09/2009 18:36
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how much were kpmg paid for this report which even our dog could have done for a bonio.EVERYONE knew this they did not need them muppets to come out with it
- Anon, leicestershire, 07/09/2009 17:15
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Hmm.. I seem to remember posting all this in my blog and on this site about 6 months ago. Shame that the government felt compelled to pay KPMG a few million quid to come up the same common sense advice.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 07/09/2009 15:49
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