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

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