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Start: 05/05/2009 08:07
Rt. Hon James Purnell, MP. Secretary of State Department for Work & Pensions. Has been in the news this weekend over the payment of his parliamentary housing allowance. It seems that the minister claimed more than his rent and his ex-fiancee having also contributed to the rental payment left most of this claimed housing allowance in his pocket. As the minister in charge of the Welfare Benefits system. I am wondering if someone over claimed on their Housing Benefit would not face the inside of a court room? Of course this is all Public Money and I doubt the minister faced the same investigations as those claiming Housing Benefit in justifying his claim for Housing Allowance. You can read about the story by clicking on the links below. | 6
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Start: 10/05/2009 14:43
Start: 10/05/2009 14:49
Its been quite a week now that we have been able to have an insight into how those who make the policy's which affect our ability to live from day to day have been expensing lavish life styles. Avoiding Capital Gains Tax on the sale of properties, changing the designation of "second homes" it seems at a whim. A lack of consistency in designating homes depending on which organisation the MP is engaged with, avoiding tax liabilities. When we make a claim for public money in the form of benefits, we are forensically examined to prove eligibility and often we have to prove entitlements repeatedly. It is not that I mind legitimate expenses being met but I have to say if this behaviour was transferred to the benefits system I suspect many would face the inside of a court room. Remember MP expenses is also public money. This is not party specific issues, no doubt in the fulness of time. MP's from other parties will face the same media scruitiny. However government has a specific duty to be seen to be "whiter than white" using public taxes for the public good. A dependance on the rules as an excuse lacks integrity. Members of the commons are often referred to as "the honourable member" and ministers gain the title "Right Honourable" implying a behaviour expected. The rules may allow wide interpretation BUT will any claim within the rules be seen as honourable? It seems from the Sunday newspapers that Inland Revenue are going to look at the tax issues. James Purnell's profit on the sale of his flat will be one of many tax avoiding property profiteering activities looked at. He is not alone in the Department for Work and Pensions though. Tony McNulty, one of his ministers has been referred to the Police over his claims and it seems Kitty Ussher is also under the "microscope" for the £20,000 spent refitting her second home within 12 months of being an MP. £20,000 would pay the benefits for one disabled person to live on the poverty line under current rates. Engaging as we do with the DWP we know that equity is merely a concept when it comes to the assessment of entitlement. Is is any wonder?
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