WORCESTERSHIRE’S MPs have been asked to repay thousands of pounds in expenses but deny breaking parliamentary rules.
Worcester’s Labour MP Mike Foster has been asked to repay £860 and it is understood Peter Luff, Conservative MP for Mid-Worcestershire, has been asked to repay about £6,000.
Both MPs have said they intend to discuss the details contained in each of their letters with Sir Thomas Legg, the official auditor appointed to look into MPs’ expenses.
The 74-year-old former civil servant was appointed by prime minister Gordon Brown earlier this year to look into members’ allowances following the expenses revelations.
Dr Richard Taylor, Independent Health Concern MP for Wyre Forest, has been written to and told “no action is required from you in this matter.”
Despite several attempts by your Worcester News, Conservative MP for West Worcestershire Sir Michael Spicer could not be contacted.
Sir Thomas has been looking at MPs’ claims under the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA), which allows them to run a second home in their constiuencies.
The leaders of the main political parties got their letters on Monday, with the prime minister hitting the headlines after he was asked to repay £12,400.
He said he would “consider” withdrawing the party whip for Labour MPs who don’t cooperate over the Legg letters.
Yesterday, a tough-talking David Cameron told party members: “If people are asked to pay back money and the authorities determine money should be paid back and they don't pay it back, in my view, they can't stand as Conservative MPs.”
Mr Foster said the £860 in question was related to two months of mortgage payments on his London flat in 2004.
Sir Thomas has also written to Mr Luff asking for a repayment of expenses and to provide supporting documentation understood to include household bills and mortgage payments.
Mr Foster said he would dig out his paperwork before he agrees to pay back any cash but a “new era” had dawned for MPs’ over their allowances.
He said: “If I agree with what Sir Thomas has said, then there’ll be a cheque for £860.
“I won’t die in a ditch to argue how unfair or fair things are. MPs are in a new era now and we as MPs have to wake up to it.”
Mr Luff said he would be seeking clarification on “some aspects” of his letter from Sir Thomas. He has already repaid £6,068 of expenses earlier this year.
“There are some aspects I simply do not understand and I will be seeking clarification,” he said.
“I can however confirm that I had previously agreed to repay a sum very similar to what he was asking for. I look forward to a constructive discussion with Sir Thomas to draw matters to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel