MP defends expenses

Chris Osuh

April 13, 2009

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Work and Pensions Secretary Jamed Purnell

CABINET minister James Purnell has defended his use of MPs' allowances after claims he puts grocery bills of up to £400 a month on expenses.

The Work and Pensions Secretary, who represents Stalybridge and Hyde, is the latest MP criticised for his use of tax-free second home allowances.

Leaked documents allegedly reveal that even though Mr Purnell earns £142,000 a year, he charges the taxpayer for the food he eats.

A spokesman for the politician said that Mr Purnell had not done anything against the rules and supported the reform of the allowances system.

It is alleged Mr Purnell, 39, has clawed back £9,094 he has spent on groceries in five years.

Some months, he is said to have claimed the maximum amount of £400 for food - double the amount that unemployed youngsters receive from the benefits system that he presides over.

And since he was elected in 2001, his second home, in Islington, London, has cost the public more than £145,000 in utility, council tax bills, fixtures, fittings and cleaning.

His spokesman said: "We have no intention of commenting on leaked documents, but are confident all claims are within Commons guidelines and have been approved - nor is there any allegation that they weren't."

The allowances system is intended to compensate MPs for the costs of staying away from their main home on Parliamentary business. Grocery claims are controversial, since they would have to buy food even if they only had one home.

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Ace Shakespeare , manchester (13/04/2009 at 09:51)

It might not be illegal but morally its wrong while most people in britain have to watch the pennies while their "MP" is living it up at the cost of the taxpayer.Once again the gravy train rolls on for a few in britain.Its time to root these people out and sto their taking
of taxpayers money,while getting a very good income for the job they do.Lets take that smug look off their faces.

willing to listen, Middleton (13/04/2009 at 09:54)

I think the whole allowances system is a disgrace, all the M.Ps, once their expenses are disclosed, constantly comment "they have done nothing wrong, as what ever they have claimed, it is within the rules"

What I want to know, WHO, made this ruling, that these greedy politicians, can claim all and sundry,for just about anything they choose.
What exactly is their over inflated salary for ???

Gervaise, Ashton under Lyne, Lancs. (13/04/2009 at 10:03)

Quote:

"Leaked documents allegedly reveal that even though Mr Purnell earns £142,000 a year,"

You have no proof that he EARNS £142,000 either!

nyb, ex manc (13/04/2009 at 10:04)

Perhaps Purnell will stop mouthing off about Social Security scroungers now. It seems to be OK for him and his like to legally defraud the tax payer just because the system allows it, then preach about SS fraudsters and scroungers. Typical politician, do as I say not what I do!

Ace Shakespeare , manchester (13/04/2009 at 10:10)

Why cant we make these "MP Scroungers" pay the money back" if they have taken money they are not "MORALLY"Entitilled to, back to prove they are honest and understand the voters who "THEY"Work for.Just like a few others have done.

Angie33 , Manchester (13/04/2009 at 10:15)

No wonder he looks so pleased with himself!!!

Bejjy ex Salford now Malta, Malta (13/04/2009 at 10:29)

What I can't understand, and perhaps someone might enlighten me, is what do these M.P.'s actually spend their salaries on? Whilst us mere mortals use our salaries or pensions to buy food, pay bills, etc, politicians like James Purnell who receives a salary of £142,000 per annum doesn't actually seem to pay for anything out of his salary but claims all his expenditure as expenses. I totally agree with other commenters here and condemn this utter greed at the tax payers expense as being immoral. Something has got to be done to stop this gravy train running totally out of control and I just hope that the electorate take notice and vote accordingly at the next general election.

-Soothsayer+ (13/04/2009 at 10:29)

We need a change. How come our MPs are spending all week wining and dining in London? Surely they need to be spending all week looking and listening in their own constituencies.

RT, UK (13/04/2009 at 10:32)

The expense guidelines are now a national disgrace. It does show the integrity level of those who represent us. It must not be forgotten that MP's tried to keep these matters secret. I wonder why?

This government and lack of leadership from Brown is beyond contempt.

Frostee, Oldham (13/04/2009 at 10:40)

Why should MP's get their food paid for out of expenses? All other workers have to pay for it out of earnings. The more I read about this outrageous, morally corrupt government and other MP's of all colours on the gravy train, the more I despair for democracy in this country. It's as if they don't give damn whatever the public think about them, an attitude that will no doubt change when we get near to an election. And Purnell even has the gall to spout about benefit scroungers - unbelievable!

thehorse (13/04/2009 at 10:40)

THE TROUGH GETS BIGGER DAILY. LOCAL COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE JUST AS BAD,
WHERE THER'S OWT FOR NOWT THEY ARE ALL THERE

nyb, ex manc (13/04/2009 at 10:48)

Bejjy ex Salford now Malta, Malta...Self interest is the force which drives people in power.
The rules behind MP expenses, are similar to the ethos and culture behind the salaries, expenses, and pensions of all high powered people i.e. snouts in the trough until we get caught, then thumb your nose at the plebs, and say "so what, it's legal".
Does anyone really think they incur all these expenses? In the expense account culture wherever it exists, it is abused. James Purnell paying £400 a month on his food bill!! Give me a break.

MPs gravy train, UK (13/04/2009 at 11:07)

You just don't understand. It's taken me years to get these benefits and I am not giving them up without a fight.

Order, Order, Order me another house please. Send the bill to Mr and Mrs taxpayer

Elliott Pest, Newton, Nr. Hyde. (13/04/2009 at 11:10)

I live in the area where he is the MP ...and i hasten to add, he does'nt even come from there.
I'll be doing my damdest to get rid of him at the next election ...which can't come soon enough.
OK the tory party has its faults, but they are no where near as big an expense fiddler, as the so called NuLabs.
If Purnell does survive the next election, it'll be in the shadow government.
Hope he reads this.

nyb, ex manc (13/04/2009 at 11:19)

Elliott Pest, Newton, Nr. Hyde... they're all the same, they're all at it, doesn't matter whether Lab, Lib, Con, or the rest of them; the system of MP expenses is a paradise for abuse with little chance of "comeback" on them. So they all abuse it...legally they will say. The only answer is a completely new system which is less generous and subject to independent scrutiny with legal powers of criminal prosecution for deliberate falsifying/manipulating of expenses.

uncle bulgaria, Wimbledon Common (13/04/2009 at 11:53)

Where do I sign up to become an MP?

Paul Halsall (13/04/2009 at 12:04)

Why pick on Purnell? Because of his repeated attacks on people who are genuinely incapacitated, and his use of Tory David Freud's report to smear people who are disabled.

He is 39 and single, and yet claims more per week (c. £100) for food alone than people who are on long term disability actually get to do everything (£86).

MARS BAR, SWINTON (13/04/2009 at 12:05)

£400 a month my brother is waiting to get laid off due to the economic crisis he has been there before and had to live on £56 pound a week this includes him having to pay his mortgage,council tax and all bills and his food too,yet this MP claims its legal,ok well it will be legal when the masses get togetther and rebel and riot.

MsD, Manchester (13/04/2009 at 12:31)

We can only associate the Labour party with two phrases now:-

1. "It is within the rules" - all greedy, grasping MP's
2. "I'm getting on with the job" - Gordon Brown when anyone critisises the MP's expenses.

Enough said. Roll on May 2010.

Angie33 , Manchester (13/04/2009 at 12:33)

Masses will never get together.They cant stand one another.
Imagine it.'Right-CHAAAARGE.UNEMPLOYED,SICK,PENSIONERS AT THE FRONT.'

Guten Tag, 1 UK Civ Div, Manchester (13/04/2009 at 13:03)

I hope he bought some nice fruit and veg with my tax money. I personally, can't because of high bills.

andy (13/04/2009 at 13:18)

Along with other MPs, Mr Purnell carries the title Right Honourable. I see nothing 'honourable' about what he is alleged to be doing. It may be legal under commons regulations to be able to charge his grocery bill to expenses but it most certainly is not moral, especially in the current economic climate.

I hope the good people of Stalybridge an Hyde will tell him where to go when he comes canvassing for their votes in a few months time.

Esso Blue , Manchester. (13/04/2009 at 13:26)

Another individual who only listens to the wrong folk and then he only listens to if have a plumb in your mouth.

Regarding scroungers it is these political people that put must of them there and when he is ready to call on the flock for the scapegoat routine they come out of the woodwork like a load of divs.

Is It Me? (13/04/2009 at 14:35)

Purnell.Animal Farm is a work of fiction and NOT a lifestyle magazine!!

I wonder what he does with his wages? Obviously he has no need to spend them!

Princess_Pam, Crumpsall (13/04/2009 at 14:48)

It seems that MP's don't have to spend a penny out of their wages like the rest of us do, they just charge EVERYTHING to expenses. Even those who live in Bed and Breakfast accommodation have to pay for their meals themselves if they are on any kind of benefit.

The sooner MPs are there just to draft the laws with every clause being voted on by the electorate via the internet, the better.

MP's should take a 50% pay cut and only be paid expenses for essential items and they should not be allowed to receive gifts from businesses during their term of office, or for five years after they leave.

We are now the most corrupt country in Western Europe.

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