Anti-sleaze watchdog calls for crackdown on MPs' expense claims

A call for a crackdown on MPs' expense claims was made today by Westminster's official anti-sleaze watchdog.

Sir Philip Mawer urged tighter rules to prevent fraudulent claims and cuts in housing subsidies for ministers who already live in grace-and-favour homes.

The parliamentary commissioner also called for curbs on the amount MPs can spend on postage, websites and other propaganda.

MPs should be required to provide receipts with expenses claims of £50 or more.

Currently they can pocket £250 without showing any proof. "That figure is too high," Sir Philip said.

In a warning to Westminster that expense claims were a growing public concern, he said: "The focus has shifted.

Looking back over the 10 years or so that this current regime has been in operation, the spotlight initially was on cash-for-questions — that is, paid advocacy.

Then the spotlight shifted towards failure to register or declare interests. Now the spotlight is on allowances."

Sir Philip's comments are his most explicit criticism of the claims system at the House of Commons, which is still largely self-regulated.

Questions have been raised after the decision to publish the broad annual totals claimed by MPs — though not the details.

This revealed that over 10 MPs spend more than £10,000 on postage alone. Hendon's Andrew Dismore spent £25,146 — the equivalent to writing 612 letters every day Parliament sat last year — mainly on mass mailshots.

Sir Philip suggested a lower cap on postage claims, particularly because MPs had voted themselves an extra £10,000 to spend on websites £22,110 towards running a second home.

He told The Times: "There has been some concern in the past that, in the case of ministers, they may have a provided home which they are not paying for, they are claiming a parliamentary allowance on a home in the constituency and they are renting out the flat in London which they occupied before they became a minister."

Tony Blair claimed £8,399 in 2005-06 towards the cost of running his private house in Sedgefield, County Durham, despite living free while in London.

What they can claim:

• Up to £22,110 for running a second home, including mortgage interest, utility bills, furniture, council tax and decorations.

• Up to £20,440 for office expenses — including the home.

• Thirty first-class rail or air fares a year between Westminster and constituency for the MP and family.

• £87,276 a year for staff, members.

• 20p a mile for bicycle trips and 40p a mile for car journeys.

• Resettlement grants of up to £60,277 when they leave.