MPs’ expenses
It’s probably not wise for me to turn to this subject now that the dust has settled - but here goes.
I’m in the mildly fotunate position of coming fourth out of six in the tally of MPs’ expenses in Oxfordshire. As I have been outspent by both the Lib Dem and the Labour MP for the county, I should be immune from Lib Dem attacks - but don’t count on it.
The frenzied attack that accompanies MPs’ expenses is a little unfair. More than half goes on salaries for staff, which of course the MP never sees (unless the staff are married to him/her). The most controversial is the accommodation allowance, about which there is legitimate debate. But while it exists, it seems wrong to criticise MPs for using it.
One point that does emerge adds to my argument about Labour’s cynical attempt to stop Tory donors supporting candidates in marginal seats. Almost all Labour MPs in marginal seats rack up huge expenses in postage. This is simply electioneering and very easy to do. For example, I have had dozens of e-mails about the Climate Change Bill from constituents, who have signed up to some campaign. I could now write, perfectly legitimately, to all of them, every month, with an environmental up-date.
This is clearly what Labour MPs are up to - it is legal, but when they rack up £20,000 a year in postage, it is a little pathetic to moan of their opponent is receiving £20,000 over four years to help them campaign.
canvas said on October 29th, 2007 at 7:53 am:
It doesn’t sound very GREEN to spend £20k a year on postage!
Bishop Hill said on October 29th, 2007 at 8:21 pm:
Why, when I sent an email to David Davis asking for information, did I get a reply by letter. Email is cheaper and (if you care about that sort of thing) greener.
Ian Bennett said on October 30th, 2007 at 8:47 am:
I e-mailed my ward councillors on September 20th; I have yet to receive a reply. Perhaps they’re worried about the cost of pixels.