MP's Expenses

The rules under which expenses may be claimed are laid out in The Green Book which states clearly that the fundamental principles underpinning the allowance regime to which MPs must adhere are based on the concepts of honesty, integrity, selflessness, accountability, openness and leadership. Claims should be above reproach, must only be for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of parliamentary duties and must not give rise or appear to give rise to improper personal financial benefit.

If the national press is to be believed our MP Gregory Barker has not been sticking strictly to the rules. He benefited substantially from the sale of property in London deemed to be a necessary second home and bought with the help of public money

I note that Mr Barker has absented himself from parliament whenever the matter of expenses has been debated on recent occasions, therefore avoiding the need to make his views known.

There are many local voters who will not be happy about criticism of that nice young man who apparently does a good job of representing us in Parliament. But at what cost? It is not acceptable in the current economic climate when ordinary voters are losing their jobs, having their homes repossessed and pensioners are receiving less interest on their savings that any representatives gain financial benefit, over and above a good salary. We expect those in a position of leadership and influence to abide by exacting standards.

Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of the move to demand a review of the rules on MP's expenses. These demands are based on the Taxpayer's right to know how money is being spent and that all expenses are justified on the basis of the fact that they enable MPs to do their job.

I have no doubt the revelations, discussions and arguments will continue for some time until the rules are reformed and clarified. There is however no justification for MPs to make large sums of money on property deals at our expense.