Proms Podcast

Star musicians and your favourite Times writers at the Albert Hall

Navigation - link to other main sections from here

Skip Navigation

From The Sunday Times
October 30, 2005

MPs get £400 a month food perk

MANY MPs benefit from a previously undisclosed perk, it has emerged — a monthly allowance of £400 to buy meals and groceries, write Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Abul Taher.

If their main home is in their constituency outside London, they can claim the food and grocery allowance without any need for restaurant bills or receipts. Further grants are available if receipts are furnished.

The allowance is on top of the £200 a month that MPs can claim for car mileage without providing fuel receipts or any details of their trips.

Officials in the Commons department of finance and administration released details of the £400 food allowance when MPs’ expenses were published last week.

It is the latest in a line of perks to emerge. MPs are able to claim for their TV licences for a second residence, and they can buy fridges on expenses.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Conservative MP for Bridgwater, argues on his website that the expenses system is “crazy”.

He writes: “In many cases the authorities do not demand proper receipts . . . it is crazy. MPs should not set their own pensions, salaries and expenses.”

Other MPs says that they work long hours and the allowances are justified. Nick Harvey, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, said: “When MPs are away from home, they are away from their domestic set-up. The MP is going to have lunch and dinner and the allowance is to cover that.”

Additional reporting: Holly Watt

Also in UK News

Also in News

Glasgow by-election

Scottish National Party candidate John Mason

Labour loses one of its safest seats in blow for Gordon Brown

Slide Show

Comment    

Minette Marrin

open quote mark There must be no public recognition of religious associations as representatives of anything or anybody close quote mark

More...
Minette Marrin

Pictures of the Week

Light and fireworks illuminate the facade of Cathedral Santiago De Compostela in Obradoiro Square during the Festival de Apostle

A selection of the best images from around the world

Slide Show

Comment Central

Scottish National Party candidate John Mason

What Glasgow East really means

The by-election results reveal one important truth

    If they're worried...

    Coins being held in a pair of hands

    The party is over

    Are the SW1 highflyers in the mood for their summer party?

    Britain

    Striking unison members march through Bristol City centre

    Inflation, strikes and unemployment are all adding to the economic gloom

    Slide Show

    Cartoon

    Morland Cartoon

    More cartoons

    Most Read

    Skip Most Read

    Today

    MOST COMMENTED

    Skip Editor's Pick

    Today

    MOST CURIOUS

    Skip Most Curious

    Today

    Focus Zone

    swimmer

    London Triathlon:

    Follow our three athletes' progress in their preparations for the London Triathlon, and pick up training tips and more

    Dr Zhivago

    Top 100 Films:

    Enjoy screenings of all the classic films you love, plus take advantage of two-for-one tickets

    A family canoeing on a lake

    Sport Safety :

    We explore leisure activities that are safe and suitable for all of the family

    Focus zone, pets, 100x100

    Perfect Pets:

    Times Online's new TV show helps you make the right decisions for your pet

    Daniel Craig

    James Bond:

    Read our exclusive 100 Years of Fleming and Bond interactive timeline, packed with original Times articles and reviews

    ba business travel clouds

    Business Travel:

    The latest travel news plus the best hotels and gadgets for business travellers

    previous next

    Popular Searches on Times Online

    books | chess | currency converter | fantasy football | fashion | formula 1 | horoscopes | mortgages | olympics | pensions | podcasts | property | recipes | redundancy calculator | sudoku | travel news | weather forecast | wine

    Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles

    Daniel Craig

    RELATED REPORT

    Fleming & Bond

    Exclusive 100 year timeline

    Services

    The Singapore skyline pictured at night

    Business City Guides

    Overseas contacts and local business information

    Luxx

    The Times Luxx

    A treasure trove of baubles, booty and stylish quests

    Croatia

    Croatia 8 days from £659

    Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro

    Staffroom superheros

    AD FEATURE

    Business heroes

    Realise your full potential

    Classifieds 

    Cars

    Skip Cars of the Week

    Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa 2dr


    £26,995
    Unit 1, Woodfield Business Unit, Kidderminster Road, Ombersley, Worcester.

    Car insurance

    Great car insurance deals online


    Jobs

    Skip Jobs of the Week
    Head of Brand Marketing

    90k + Bonus + Options
    Confidential
    London

    Team Managers

    £23,716 +
    Highways Agency
    National

    Central Services and Facilities Manager

    £ £43,405 - £48,228 pa
    Notting Hill Housing
    London

    Field Sales Executive

    £30,000 base, £100,000 OTE
    Riches Consulting
    London/South

    Properties

    Outstanding Barn con in rural Kent, 4,600 sq ft

    with annexe accommodation and 5.25 acres
    £1,100,000

    The Gardens @ Riverside Quarter Luxury Appts in Wandsworth

    Beautiful Gardens w/ stunning Thames Views

    Ajman UAE (next to Dubai): Prices set to double in 18 months!

    Studios £33K, 1 Beds £60K, 2 beds  £79K

    Barclays

    Mortgages, bank acc & money transfers to help you buy abroad

    Holidays

    Skip Travel of the Week

    Classical Jordan guided tour

    Explore mystical Jordan
    From £1030 for 7nts 4*

    Great Value City Break

    to USA's Most Cosmopolitan City; San Francisco!
    £POA

    Antigua Beach Club Holidays

    Book Now for Winter 08/09 and Get 10% off!


    Travel insurance

    Great travel insurance deals online


    Place your advert now