Expense claims: food for thought
NOW that we are all legitimately allowed to see what our MPs are claiming for, I ventured on to the Internet to view our local MP Robert Goodwill's claims for food for the period 2007/08. It reads as follows:-
l April 1 2007 to June 30 2007 1,200 (Backdated for three months missed)
l July 1 2007 to July 31 2007 400
l August 1 2007 to October 31 2007 1,200
l November 1 2007 to November 30 2007 400
l December 1 2007 to December 31 2007 400
l January 1 2008 to April 29 2008 800
l March 1 2008 to March 31 2008 400
MPs can only claim for "costs you have actually paid, but no receipts are required for food.
What a coincidence the claim each month was for the maximum 400. What a coincidence that in accordance with claim details, the sum actually paid was 400 monthly – exactly.
Or was he paying more than 400, but paying the extra out of his own pocket?
Where and what was he eating to spend 400 monthly?
If eating out every night in London then this claim might be justified. But I do not believe Mr Goodwill is the type of person to do this.
On the other hand, if he was eating in the House of Commons facilities, then the cost would be prohibitive since they are subsidised.
How many days/weeks did he stay in London? How often did he attend the House of Commons?
I frequently view Channel 81 to see what is happening in the House of Commons and it is normally relatively empty.
I seldom see Mr Goodwill there.
So he must spend quite considerable time in Scarborough/Yorkshire.
Mr Goodwill is one of 32 MPs who have claimed the full food allowance.
And what hits me full in the eye is that the full claims are also made when all MPs are on their summer holiday for 12 weeks.
Surely Mr Goodwill – and indeed the other 31 MPs – should have to pay for their own food most of the time, since we, the public, have to pay for all our food all of the time.
Alexander Youngson
St Johns Avenue
Scarborough
RE our MP's 400 a month food allowances: I am a pensioner and I can't remember ever spending 100 a week on food. Disgusted.
T Arliss
Lebberston
l This letter was sent by text. To send your comments, text the word SENEDITOR and send with your message to 81800 (25p charge plus standard national rate. See terms in Public Notices in paper).
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