MP Anne Main reveals outcome of expenses probe (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)
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St Albans MP does not have to repay expenses
2:37pm Tuesday 13th October 2009 in News By Manisha Mistry
ST ALBANS MP Anne Main has been asked to clarify details of her mortgage in the wake of the expenses investigations.
However Mrs Main, who had been claiming expenses on a second home where her daughter lived rent free, has not been demanded to repay any of her claims.
In a statement she said: "Following the Additional Costs Allowance Review of all Members of Parliament, Sir Thomas Legg’s only observations were that I needed to provide documentation to confirm that my mortgage was on an interest-only basis and that a half-yearly service charge was correct.
"In light of this, I shall be sending the required documentation which shows my mortgage is, indeed, an interest-only mortgage and that all payments in respect of my mortgage are, therefore, interest-only.
"I am also requesting from my service provider a breakdown of the service-charges paid in respect of my flat, and I shall be passing these on to Sir Thomas."
In all other respects, Sir Thomas Legg has not asked for any other clarification or, indeed, asked me to make any repayments, and it would appear that he is satisfied that my claims were within the guidelines at the time and, indeed, the retrospective guidelines that he is applying now. I am happy to provide him with the additional information as requested with regard to his provisional observations.”
Comments(11)
showtime
says...
6:55pm Tue 13 Oct 09
Legg has been careful not to compromise or prejudice what should be a much more damning decision on her conduct.
So while Mrs. Main as usual tries to spin her way out of it I hope the Press and others aren't fooled into thinking this affair is over.
Bob S.
says...
10:44pm Tue 13 Oct 09
Maybe it's wishful thinking on someone's part...
BillyBatford
says...
8:50am Wed 14 Oct 09
So despite Anne Main trying to imply tht she is in the clear, any requests for repayment will only be made once Sir Richard has completed his investigations. Then we shall see!
showtime
says...
8:56am Wed 14 Oct 09
This, plus the fact her daughter gained a continuing benefit from our taxes, are indisputable, and what Mrs. Main always fails to address.
This is not wishful thinking, Bob. Facts is Facts. Legg's brief as an auditor didn't cover this element of her claims. That has been left to the Standards Commissioner.
showtime
says...
9:04am Wed 14 Oct 09
Has she moved out, and if so, when?.
Perhaps an intrepid reporter can find out from us, and verify it with neighbours' evidence.
Bob S.
says...
1:55pm Wed 14 Oct 09
Perhaps Sandy could send an email explaining...
Bob S.
says...
3:33pm Wed 14 Oct 09
I think the Review already prints too much rubbish from 'you' anyway...
showtime
says...
3:36pm Wed 14 Oct 09
You must surely be one of the old codgers from the local Conservative Association who blindly 'reselected' Mrs. Main based solely on her spin.
My grandpappy always taught me never to take a politician's word at face value....the devil is always in the detail which oozes out later, as we've come to learn from Mr. Blair and Mr. Brown.
Even as we speak Mrs. Main has coughed up to 'an accounting error' for a duplicated claim - more than 6 months after the scandal emerged and surely more than enough time to have gone through her claims in detail! It is, after all, her personal responsibility, not that of her staff or accountant, to ensure her claims are legal and accurate. How many more errors will she have to 'fess up to?
See http://www.parliamen
t.uk/mpslordsandoffi
ces/finances.cfm
to download a copy of the Green Book - under 2006 Guides.
Sections 3.3.1 and 3.9.1 should be revealing, as well as reading the sections on a requirement for value for money and not allowing even the appearance of letting someone else benefit from a claim.
Once everyone has read the Rules we can start to have a sensible debate.
showtime
says...
3:37pm Wed 14 Oct 09
You must surely be one of the old codgers from the local Conservative Association who blindly 'reselected' Mrs. Main based solely on her spin.
My grandpappy always taught me never to take a politician's word at face value....the devil is always in the detail which oozes out later, as we've come to learn from Mr. Blair and Mr. Brown.
Even as we speak Mrs. Main has coughed up to 'an accounting error' for a duplicated claim - more than 6 months after the scandal emerged and surely more than enough time to have gone through her claims in detail! It is, after all, her personal responsibility, not that of her staff or accountant, to ensure her claims are legal and accurate. How many more errors will she have to 'fess up to?
See http://www.parliamen
t.uk/mpslordsandoffi
ces/finances.cfm
to download a copy of the Green Book - under 2006 Guides.
Sections 3.3.1 and 3.9.1 should be revealing, as well as reading the sections on a requirement for value for money and not allowing even the appearance of letting someone else benefit from a claim.
Once everyone has read the Rules we can start to have a sensible debate.
Bob S.
says...
6:00pm Wed 14 Oct 09
Bob S. says...
5:27pm Tue 13 Oct 09