Published: April 2, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea MP hits out at politicians who abuse expense claims

Burnham-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory has this week criticised fellow MPs who claim expenses for 'capital household items' and items up to £250 without receipts.

Mr Heathcoat-Amory spoke out this week after being asked whether he had joined other MPs in claiming for a new kitchen or bought new household goods at the expense of the taxpayer following recent national media coverage.

But the MP, whose expenses are among the lowest in the country, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It is wrong for MPs to claim for household 'capital items' such as new kitchens, TVs or carpets. I have never done so. Nor should MPs claim up to £250 per month in petty cash without receipts, and I have not done so."

"This is another practice which has crept in over the past 10 years, and must stop. The allowance for homes in the constituency is for running costs, maintenance, insurance, etc and should not be used for new items such as on the 'John Lewis' list."

The whole question of MPs' pay and allowances is being examined by a committee under the Speaker.

Mr Heathcoat-Amory has suggested that MPs should only decide on salary levels to take effect after a general election, which is the situation in America, where the 27th Amendment to the US Constitution forbids any change to Congressional pay until an election has intervened.

He added: "I believe that the House of Commons must take decisions on pay and allowances itself, and not shuffle off this responsibility onto another pay body, but any change should not come into effect until after an election. So any Parliament would not be setting its own pay, but that of its successor."