MP allowances

[Adam Davies]

Hi
I heard today that some MPs are given a food allowance of £400 per month[single person] whilst staying in their "second" homes, interesting that the top allowance given by the CCCS and one that most creditors go by is £195 per month.
Why such a difference ??

[ivas4us]

they are allowed a different make of coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kayleigh]

I should imagine they can claim for lunches at Claridges, even thougth they can eat in the commons canteen!!! Can I claim for my second home as an expense on my IVA :~)

[ivas4us]

only if it has a moat

[cazlizzy]

*gets her shovel out and starts digging a trench around the garden shed*
When its full of water will that count?[:D][:D][:D]

[Julie]

...and boy have they taken advantage of their allowances [:0]

[ivas4us]

as long as the shed can hold 2 dvd's a 52" tv, 2 three piece suites, an £18,000 bookcase, mortgage has been completed then you should be ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cazlizzy]

Bah Humbug! I am a DVD short.[:(]

[Julie]

...and have chandeliers [:D]

[Skippy]

Dave's mum has a holiday cottage that her and his dad bought with his retirement lump sum. Up until a few years ago she used to get a reduction on council tax, but now thanks to this government she has to pay full council tax, even though it's empty for the majority of the time. Obviously so there's more money in the pot so the 'honourable' MPs can claim for a mortage they don't have!

[Julie]

Some of these MP's might find themselves in court, facing fraud charges . The Daily Mail ( I think) are looking to bring a prosecution.

If Joe public made these claims, it would be in court before you know it!

[ivas4us]

As long as it has no furniture in the cottage then you can get a break of up to 6 monthe in any 12 month period. Easier said than done to keep moving furniture in and out. Does she get the 25% single occupancy discount.

[kallis3]

I wouldn't mind but the bar and I presume the canteen in the House of Commons are subsidised, so they can get their food and drink cheaper anyway!

[ivas4us]

It would be great if some of then could not afford to pay it back and they had to do an IVA.

[wonder]

I thought if you had a second/holiday home you only had to pay half council tax on it? Not that I should be worried as there's no chance of me ever having a second home. Why are they allowed such extravagance? Just a basic flat would suffice with little furnishings. But if any one else has to work away from home who pays for their accomodation while they are away? We have to pay our selves so why cant MP's? I say take all the expenses off them and let them pay their own bills etc.