Michael Martin’s Second-Home Allowance For Home With No Mortgage
MICHAEL Martin is in the trough:
The pressure was heaped on Mr Martin as it emerged that he claimed a second-homes allowance on his constituency house in Glasgow – even though he has no mortgage on it.
It was reported the Speaker, whose London home is his lavish grace-and-favour apartment in the Commons, has claimed more than £75,000 from the Additional Costs Allowance over the past six years.
This usually goes towards mortgages or rent, but can be used for other expenses such as maintenance.
Anti-sleaze campaigner Martin Bell said: “If you live free in a grace-and-favour home, you shouldn’t need public help to run your second home. The Speaker should announce his retirement.”
Oink. Oink
February 24th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Is there a single one of them above suspicion ?
February 24th, 2008 at 11:25 am
No !!!!!!!! We have had ten years of spin and not one Department under this
inept Government has improved in Service or cost effectiveness. How did they
get elected for a third Term, beats me!!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Bring back Martin Bell! Bring him back now! These shamless MP’s need someone on their case!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
If MP’s can claim an allowance to cover mortgage costs on a second home, it means they can buy an appreciating (mostly, over time) asset at taxpayers expense. Since many do require a second home, a rent allowance based on rental costs in the relevant area would seem fair. If they chose to buy instead, they could keep the rental allowance (in effect to pay them as landlords supplying accommodation to an MP). The allowance should not be paid to those who have free accommodation close to Westminster.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
You really can begin to see why some countries actually seem to prefer a Military Dictatorship. (At least at the start)
February 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Or as someone nearly said
Anyone can become an MP. That is one of the penalties we have to bear for living in a democracy