Hard-working West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has dismissed a national newspaper story suggesting that she ate a long list of snacks and confectionery claimed under her parliamentary allowances.
The Sun claimed that Rosie's had "naughty nibbles" paid for by taxpayers and produced a list of sweets, crisps, cakes, ice creams and doughnuts that show under her office expenses.
But Rosie has dismissed the scurilous story and has explained that the items were all claimed-for by young, unpaid "interns" who volunteered to assist in her parliamentary office to gain work experience.
While businesses like The Sun and even other politicians might have lumped this kind of expenditure under "petty cash" Rosie has always been scrupulous in requiring interms to prodcue receipts fora all out-of-pocket and subsitence expenses which they were entitled to claim back.
Items as small as a 29p bag of Hula Hoops, a Kit-Kat, Polo mints and a white chocolate cookie costing 30p were meticulously listed with receipts from the House of Commons, House of Lords and tesco.
Rosie defended the expenditure, saying: "The claims are for the reimbursement of travel and subsistence costs incurred by interns whilst they were working unpaid in my Parliamentary Office . Parliament covers these costs as the individual is working without a salary and internships should be open to all, not just those with the financial means to support themselves.
“I believe that there should be greater openness and transparency on MPs Allowances. When I invited the local press in to review my claims they had the opportunity to review the uncensored office costs as well as the allowance for a second home."
Commenting on the who expenses affair Rosie added:“MPs should be subject to proper scrutiny when it comes to Parliamentary Allowances. I fully accept the current arrangements are far from perfect and are not open and transparent enough. There needs to be root and branch reform of the expenses system.
“I make my summary allowance expenditure available on my website. In the next few weeks I will check through the receipts to ensure they are correct for full disclosure at the earliest practicable opportunity.
“As all my time is directed at representing the people of West Lancashire I do not have a second job nor do I employ any family members.
“I believe all my staff should be here in the constituency which means that I use my allowances to provide a fully-staffed constituency office that is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. As well as salaries the allowance covers the costs of the office, telephones, photocopying, utility and stationery bills to keep local residents in touch with what I’m doing on their behalf.
"If I had all my staff in London as many MPs do the majority of these costs would still cost the same but would be paid for directly by Parliament rather than being counted against my personal account as an MP. I believe my constituents deserve a decent local service.
“The Additional Cost Allowance is for a second home, in my case a 1930s flat in Westminster and is essential for me to do my job to effectively represent West Lancashire in Parliament. I have never changed the designation of my main home.
“I have said previously that I would be delighted if Parliament could come up with a system where I do not have any direct involvement in the finances. Whatever system Sir Christopher Kelly comes up with should be implemented quickly to help restore public confidence.”
Post a comment