MP’s Housing Perks

There have been new calls for a review of the controversial housing allowance.

This has come about after Barbara Follett MP claimed £22,107 last year for expenses for a flat in London. It was revealed that the MP owns another London flat that is let out, where she could stay plus the family home is less than a thirty-minute train ride from London. The MP has claimed over the last five years, £120,098 but this does not include mortgage interest repayments. The family have two further holiday homes in Capetown and Antigua.

Apparently Barbara Follett is not alone as several other MP’s also claim in excess of £20,000 a year for funding portfolios, Douglas Hogg owns three buy to lets in London and although claims £20,000 per annum says it is not for his London properties. Another claims accommodation costs whilst letting a flat in London.

People are now saying that there has to be more checks and find it difficult to justify £20,000 plus being claimed on mortgage free properties.