David Amess in new expenses scandal (From Southend Standard)
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David Amess in new expenses scandal
12:35pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News
David Amess in new expenses scandal
DAVID Amess is in the midst of a new expenses scandal for claiming taxpayers money for rent while receiving rental income on another property.
The Southend West Tory MP is one of 27 MPs who are claiming expenses of up to £20,000 a year each for rent for a second home in London as well as receiving rent from properties that were often purchased and refurbished with taxpayer assistance.
Mr Amess has a flat on the Isle of Dogs which he has let since August 2011.
He began claiming £1,570 a month soon after starting to let out the flat.
While the MPs have done nothing wrong under parliamentary rules, the disclosures will prompt questions about how taxpayers’ money is being used.
The MP has been criticised as being hypocritical and angering his own constituents by the three main political parties locally.
Leader of the Lib Dem group Graham Longley said; “Any public money being misused by whoever will no doubt make local people angry. It’s not the first time David appears to have been in difficulty but he doesn’t seem to be keen to clear it up. He should make it clear so people know what the situation is.”
Ian Gilbert, leader of the Labour group, said: “In the context of Government austerity drive which he is probably supporting it seems hypocritical with all the various cuts taking place and to do this at taxpayers expense seems an extravagance.
“You could argue that Southend is close enough to commute as many local people do.”
These thoughts were echoed by Martin Terry, Independent group leader, who said: “South Essex based MPs frankly should not be entitled to claim for a flat in London.
“This is disgraceful. People will take a very dim view of this. What motive is there, does he really want to serve people or to line his pockets?”
Mr Amess is yet to respond to the Echo.
Comments(20)
Tom from Southend
says...
1:00pm Fri 19 Oct 12
Explain please Mr Amess.
Oh I forget, nothing changes, he will get away with it.
j-w
says...
1:05pm Fri 19 Oct 12
"While the MPs have done nothing wrong under parliamentary rules, the disclosures will prompt questions about how taxpayers’ money is being used"
When they can make their own rules and guidelines then nothing will change. They still claim the same as before its just under a different name of form and is now approved. The expenses need seriously looking at.
jayman
says...
1:08pm Fri 19 Oct 12
the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..
jayman
says...
1:11pm Fri 19 Oct 12
jayman wrote:sorry constance should have been constituents..
he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses?
the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..
turtlemanor
says...
1:40pm Fri 19 Oct 12
j-w
says...
1:41pm Fri 19 Oct 12
j-w
says...
1:43pm Fri 19 Oct 12
Leighdweller
says...
1:46pm Fri 19 Oct 12
jayman wrote:I don't know how on earth you can claim he doesn't warrant the expense.
he embarrasses himself at every opportunity when he speaks in parliament. He is not part of any major parliamentary committee. he barely tips up at Westminster. he doesn't respond to his constance that contact him.. What does this man do to warrant any expenses? the man can barely represent himself let alone the plebs who vote him in so that he can enjoy nibbles and drinks at Westminster..
In the Summer, he came to our Jubilee street party and gave a lovely little speech and a certificate to the organisers. Also, he had a rather fetching blue and white megaphone. I suspect that this probably cost him a few bob and I for one don't begrudge him some new batteries for that.
Oh, and don't forget those greulling trips to the Maldives he's had to endure!
r6keith
says...
2:05pm Fri 19 Oct 12
marshman
says...
3:35pm Fri 19 Oct 12
So what's new?
firedog
says...
4:09pm Fri 19 Oct 12
Brunning999
says...
9:35pm Fri 19 Oct 12
How can any MP hold their head up after these expenses fiasco.
This week two friends of mine both surveyors lost their jobs, they have been hanging on for 4 years hoping that the economy will turn, they take less pay home now than they did 10 years ago they work longer hours now than they have ever done, they even thought they were through the worst and things were getting better.
Things are just getting worse and seeing these bloody greedy politicians take take take makes me sick.
emcee
says...
12:47am Sat 20 Oct 12
-
He won't, he's a coward.
I have but four words:
"Bye bye, Mr Amess".
jolllyboy
says...
6:58pm Sat 20 Oct 12
Lastlaugh..
says...
11:12pm Sat 20 Oct 12
Audioman
says...
4:24pm Sun 21 Oct 12
steve@eastwood
says...
6:50pm Sun 21 Oct 12
steve@eastwood
says...
7:13pm Sun 21 Oct 12
http://www.mirror.co
.uk/news/uk-news/tor
y-mp-david-amess-cla
ims-1390775
The man is committing moral fraud, but as usual he is not breaking the rules.
SCUM
J-Monroe
says...
11:13am Wed 24 Oct 12
http://epetitions.di
rect.gov.uk/petition
s/40723
Eric Whim says...
12:44pm Fri 19 Oct 12