MPs are grossly overpaid and continue to take advantage of the expenses system - Yorkshire Post Letters
From: MK O'Sullivan, Victoria Street, Allerton Bywater, Castleford.
The YP today (14/07/26) says in an item that the suspected murder of Ann Widdicombe raises questions over security of politicians. This item also says the majority of politicians are hard working public servants, they enter politics to improve the lives of voters. No mention of the salary of over £98,000 and expenses, grossly overpaid.
This last point I would disagree with, I recall the not so far back exposures of how MPs lied and lied again and tried to cover up expenses fiddles. I put it that not much has changed. Look back over the 14 years since the Conservative party election win in 2010 and the exposure of so much lies and sticky fingers at Westminster.
Post the expenses exposures a new system was set up to check the expenses and allowance claims by MPs IPSA (Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority), a supine body if ever there was one.
Let me give an example of the kind of expenses claim IPSA have let through. Shortly after the 2024 election the MP for Coventry North Taiwo Owetemi submitted a claim in excess of £900 to cover the expenses of her dog's care. IPSA let it through. On her salary you would imagine that she could afford this sum. How many such claims have gone through, makes you wonder?
If the Labour government lasts until 2029, I read that by then the salary of a backbench MP would be close to £100,000, are any of them worth this sum?
I suggest to Yorkshire voters if and when an MP, especially a Tory one comes seeking your vote, ask him/her about expenses claims, it will be a short call.