Transparency

[Bonnyboy]

I’m surprised the topic of MP’s expenses hasn’t really cropped up on the forum. Folk tend not to hold back on their views in here. Perhaps it’s the fact that almost everyone fiddles expenses, therefore it’s not perceived to be a “Big Deal”

Should we have total transparency with regards the expenditure of our MP’s ?

Old news now I know but it's quiet at the moment

[cashman]

my personal view,dont see what the big deal is, think anyone should be able to donate any money they wish to whoever they wish, simple as. dont see what business it is of anyone else, differant arguement if its for personal gain, cash for honours etc.

[derekgas]

Is there any particular reason that you think politicians would ever be honestly 'transparent' in anything? let alone money!

[Gayle]

We do have total transparency regarding MPs expenses. Their expenses are published annually. Anyone can find it out if they want to.

They all have an allowance for travel and for staff - clearly MPs who live further away from London are going to have higher travel expenses.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Gayle

We do have total transparency regarding MPs expenses. Their expenses are published annually. Anyone can find it out if they want to.

They all have an allowance for travel and for staff - clearly MPs who live further away from London are going to have higher travel expenses.

Yes but not on Janet Andrsons proportions

[jambutty]

Originally Posted by Gayle

We do have total transparency regarding MPs expenses. Their expenses are published annually. Anyone can find it out if they want to.

They all have an allowance for travel and for staff - clearly MPs who live further away from London are going to have higher travel expenses.

We do? What about that list for white goods?

What about the husband and wife MP’s who signed over their rather large house to a trust fund and then rented the property from the trust fund and claimed the allowance for it. A classic case of having your cake and eating it.

Putting it quite simply, if MP’s get an allowance for travel, temporary accommodation and running a constituency office, then every single penny should be accounted for and backed up with a bona fide receipt. After all it is public funds and we have a RIGHT to know how our money is being spent. If an MP receives a donation from someone that should also accounted.

Transparency is the new buzz word in Parliament so let it be that way.

[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by Bonnyboy

Perhaps it’s the fact that almost everyone fiddles expenses, therefore it’s not perceived to be a “Big Deal”

But these aren't fiddlings, they are legitimate allowances aren't they? Bit steep but that's another subject. The fiddlers I am definitely against.

[Bonnyboy]

To my mind there are fiddles going on. Derek Conway is just the tip of the iceberg. Nicholas Winterton and his missus claiming £30, 000 a year rent on a house they bought outright in 2002 to dodge death tax, that’s abusing the system, although legal. Some MP’s have their spouses work for them using their maiden names. It stinks.

The MP’s seem to be shouting transparency , lets have some.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Bonnyboy

To my mind there are fiddles going on. Derek Conway is just the tip of the iceberg. Nicholas Winterton and his missus claiming £30, 000 a year rent on a house they bought outright in 2002 to dodge death tax, that’s abusing the system, although legal. Some MP’s have their spouses work for them using their maiden names. It stinks.

The MP’s seem to be shouting transparency , lets have some.

Maybe in Wintertons case the regulations need changing

[Bonnyboy]

Dragged this old thing out, it’s quiet at the moment.

There’s generally no smoke without a fire - Mp’s expenses have been secretly shredded

[No.9 Dream]

have a look at this about Labour ( yes Labour ) MP Tom Watson

Guy Fawkes' blog of parliamentary plots, rumours and conspiracy

well at least they had the gracre to re label ( rebrand !!! ) themselves New Labour