WALTHAMSTOW: MP calls for allowance system change (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAMSTOW: MP calls for allowance system change

11:05am Friday 15th May 2009 in

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NEIL Gerrard has said the MPs allowances system needs to be reformed in the wake of the expenses scandal.

Mr Gerrard's detailed expenses have yet to be published, but the Walthamstow MP, who unlike Leyton MP Harry Cohen does not claim a second home allowance, insists most of his claims are for office running costs.

In 2007-08, Mr Gerrard claimed £83,247 in staffing costs - one of the lowest claims of all MPs.

He said: "The expenses controversy is doing a lot of damage, people are wondering what on earth all this is about."

Mr Gerrard, who is standing down as MP at the next election, said the second home allowances should be simplified and should only be available to MPs from outside London.

He said: "It should be for rent, council tax, utility bills, that sort of thing alone.

"The claims for furniture or for home or garden improvements are the ones that really get up people's noses."

Leyton MP Harry Cohen reportedly redecorated his second home before selling it on and claiming £12,000 in stamp duty and fees on a new house.

He has refused to apologise and considers his 'rebel' status as jusitifaction for the claims - including a pineapple slicer and garlic press - as not towing the party line has jeopodised his career.

Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford, has pledged to make details of his expenses available.