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We've talked about MPs expenses every day on the programme so far this week. We started on Monday with an OB from John Mann's second house and today we heard from Sir Christopher Kelly -- the man leading the inquiry into parliamentary allowances. Next week MPs get to vote on Gordon Brown's interim proposals for reform.
Geraldine Smith, the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has told us she's still not sure how to vote. So, she's going to come on our programme on Tuesday to explain her dilemma -- and says she's happy to let you make the decision for her.
Whilst we're on the subject, lots of comments on Victoria's interview with Employment Minister Tony McNulty. He was on to talk about the latest rise in unemployment figures, but was less keen to talk about the investigation into his second home allowance. Listen again to it here:
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Hi, Victoria, This is very interesting, David Cameron gets 20p per mile as an allowance to ride his bycycle to work!!!
Today a person sent a text and stated that everyone can claim this!!!
I would love to know how I can claim this!! As I am on a low income 12.5k & a pound a day = £250 per annum!!! That to me is a great deal of money!!
How can I claim this 20p per mile!!! The company I work for would never fund this!!!
Regards Kevin
PS as travelling tomorrow & will not hear your very enjoyable programme, can you please leave this until Monday.
Thank you, Regards Kev
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----- Original Message -----
From: John Marriott
To: letters@dailymail.co.uk
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 6:47 PM
Subject: MP's expenses -- a fair solution to the scam?
I agree that MPs who have to work away from their normal homes should be recompensed for genuine out-of-pocket expenses, BUT,
where they buy houses or fittings etc. at taxpayer's cost, those houses etc. should be handed back to the taxpayer when the MPs lose their seats
I would be happy with that -- so, probably, would most voters
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Hi Victoria, listen to your show as often as i can (usually travelling to work).
Anyway yesterdays show about politicians claiming expenses etc. seemed to hit a raw nerve.
They are quick to try to silence anyone who dares to ask what they get.
They go silent (especially the opposition)when being asked about expenses.
What really narks me is this - Why do they need 2nd homes in the capital anyway?
If they didn't wreck the national transport system in the first place then they would be able to commute like the rest of the good old british public (or don't they want to pay the congestion charge?)
It seems that they can abuse their positions just for the sake of greed.
This Country has gone downhill since the early 80's when the Conserative Party decided to sell off Industry as a stop gap financing package. Now Labour has carried on where they left off.
Also why should the general public pay for the Banks mistakes?
Its always the same.
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The proposals by Brown are a dogs breakfast and are an invitation to abuse just as the daily allowance at the EU is abused.
Its a typical reponse by this Prime Minister no appetite to stop the likes of McNulty legally abusing an overblown expenses system but aware that he has to be seen to be doing something.
We all know that its simple, savagely reduce what they can claim and who can claim it, don't substitute a system that has been discredited by a system which in my opinion will cost more.
I spoke on Victorias show Thursday and to my mind it epitomises the gravy train that John Mann can't claim for books and maps that were directly aiding his job as a constituency MP whilst Brown can claim subscription TV and Cameron ( if he does which i doubt ) can claim 20p a mile for cycling to work.
Browns plan doesn't tighten up the system it just ensures that instead of a few milking it most will get the money just for turning up, he says London MPs wont get the attendance allowance but will get enhanced London Living Allowances, so they WILL be getting it he'll just call it something else.
Personally i would debar most of what they can claim at the moment, i wouldn't allow mortgage payments to be claimed only rent and they would get a one off payment to set up their second home at the beginning of their tenure in Parliament and then told to get on with just like veryone else in the working world.
I would certainly not allow subsciption TV to be claimed nor the 20p cycling allowance and noone with a constituency within a circle of say the M25 would get any 2nd home allowance because with Londons excellent transport links that is an easy commute.
Conversley i would also up MPs pay rates as i think they are underpaid i dont think say a rate of £80k for a back bencher would be unreasonable.
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MP's voting on an alternative system around claiming their own expenses ? What kind of a ludicrous and bizarre way of working is that ?
An independent body should impose a system that is reasonable and less costly to the tax payer full stop.
When I get an annual raise in my private company pension I don't vote on it I have to accept it.
Methinks that just because someone becomes an MP's you are priveleged enough without fleecing the tax payer for all and sundry.
MP's are voted into parliament to represent their constituents I thought the job description was, not too take tax payers for complete mugs.
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