At the Public's Expense

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At the Public’s Expense Some of the reimbursements claimed by British politicians: Conservative Labour Politicians Amount Expense Gordon Brown, prime $10,000 To brother for cleaning of London apartment. Spokesman says minister payments passed on to cleaner, didn’t benefit brother. Alan Duncan, Member $6,000 For gardening over three years, including repairs to riding lawn- of Parliament mower. Further bill of $4,860 rejected. James Arbuthnot, $164,550 Over five years, including $2,240 for cleaning swimming pool member of Parliament and $1,100 for a TV. Hazel Blears, cabinet $7,600 For furniture for second homes over three months. Says she minister for local gov- will repay $20,300 toward tax on sale of London house, which ernment she designated as main home to tax authorities and second residence to Parliament. Cheryl Gillan, spokes- $6.80 For dog food, among other expenses. Agreed to repay some woman for Wales expenses. Douglas Hogg, Member $3,045 For the cleaning of a moat around his country estate, among of Parliament other expenses. Andrew MacKay, Mem- $1,500 Claimed a month in mortage payments through a second-home ber of Parliament allowance on his London address. He stepped down as adviser to the Conservative leader, calling claim ‘error in judgment.’ Peter Mandelson, busi- $4,570 For work on his home a week after he announced decision to ness minister step down from Parliament in 2004. Spokesman says work was ‘necessary maintenance.’ David Miliband, foreign $303 For baby stroller; claim was rejected. Put in regularly for secretary gardening expenses; on a $202 receipt, a gardener’s note asked if he wanted a particular service, given its ‘labor intensive nature’ and the short time Mr. Miliband stayed at the house. Elliot Morley, Member $24,360 For interest payments on a mortgage he had paid off 18 of Parliament months earlier; suspended over claims. Said claim was ‘sloppy accounting in a very loose and shambolic allowance system.’ John Prescott, former $10,300 For repairs that included putting a mock Tudor beam on his deputy prime minister house. Put in for repair of toilet seat twice in two years Kitty Ussher, work and $30,000 To pay for new plumbing, carpets, wiring and other improve- pensions minister ments to London home. David Willetts, spokes- $150 For workmen to replace 25 light bulbs at his home, among man on universities other claims. Note: Figures are approximate and converted from British pounds.

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