MPs Criticised Over 'John Lewis' List

MPs are facing further criticism over their expenses after it was revealed that they can claim up £22,000 for goods for their second homes.

The amount that MPs can claim in taxpayer-funded expenses was revealed following a Freedom of Information Act request to release the document.

The list includes prices for a number of household goods and equipment, such as: £10,000 for a new kitchen, £6,335 for a new bathroom suite, £300 for air-conditioning units, £750 each for televisions and stereos, £200 for a nest of tables, £500 for a dressing table, £550 for a fridge-freezer and £200 for a kitchen blender.

Carpets and wood flooring can also be purchased at a maximum of £35 over square metre, while £300 can be claimed for a rug, £795 for a sideboard and £700 for a wardrobe.

The list has been called the 'John Lewis' list because it is based on prices at the department store. Commons officials then use the list to approve or reject MPs expense claims.

The John Lewis department store was used as a guide because it came top of all retail shops in the February 2007 edition of Which?, the document revealed.

Most MPs were not even aware of the list, because Commons authorities were afraid that some would take advantage and attempt to claim the maximum amount available for items.

The release of the document comes amid increased scrutiny of MPs expenses, following the Derek Conway affair. It emerged in January that Mr Conway had paid his son, a full-time student, as a political researcher, from his expenses. Mr Conway later announced that he would be standing down as an MP at the next general election.

The Taxpayers Alliance criticised the list, saying that the prices were out of the range of many voters. The group's Chief Executive Matthew Elliott said: "How many ordinary taxpayers spend £1,500 on a TV and stereo when there are cheaper deals elsewhere? No wonder the government wastes so much money, if MPs don't stick to a tight budget themselves."

(KMcA)