Lib Dems put official complaint in about Simon Danczuk's expenses

Lib Dems have put an official complaint in about Simon Danczuk's expenses

Rochdale Lib Dems have officially complained to Parliamentary Watchdog IPSA and Greater Manchester Police about the expenses claims of Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk.

They have alleged a 'misuse of public funds' and called for a full investigation into Mr Danczuk claiming thousands of pounds under the Parliamentary living allowance scheme.

Mr Danczuk claimed for four 'dependants', despite not seeing his two eldest children for years.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100615/simon-danczuk-claimed-thousands-in-dependants-expenses-for-children-he-hasnt-seen-in-years

Lib Dems have claimed this is an abuse of the system and asked Greater Manchester Police to investigate.

Rochdale Lib Dem Leader Andy Kelly said: "Everyone knows that Simon Danczuk is morally bankrupt. These latest revelations beggar belief.

"Mr Danczuk is one of Britain's most expensive MPs - he'll claim for anything.

"I look forward to a thorough investigation by both the Parliamentary authorities and the Police."

Both Greater Manchester Police and IPSA are currently assessing whether to launch an investigation.  

Responding to Lib Dem party campaigner David Hennigan's complaint, Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes from Greater Manchester Police said: "Thanks for your letter of today. Please let us assess it and we'll be in touch in due course."

Chris Veck, Investigations Officer at IPSA, said: "The Compliance Officer is aware of the allegations made in the press over the weekend and is currently assessing the information. As such we shall include the comments made in your letter as part of our existing assessment. Once a decision has been made whether or not to open an investigation, we shall get back in touch to provide you with further information."

Full text of Mr Hennigan's complaint:

I am writing regarding further revelations about Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk and an alleged misuse of public funds. You will be aware of a previous complaint regarding Mrs Karen Danczuk (Burke) and her employment as a ‘Senior Caseworker’ at Mr Danczuk’s office.

I would like you to carry out an urgent investigation into Mr Danczuk’s child support claims linked with his rental costs. Mr Danczuk has claimed thousands in expenses for his four children under a living allowance scheme. I understand that under any claim for the Parliamentary living allowance scheme for dependents – the children must spend some time in the accommodation.

It is my information that Mr Danczuk has not seen his two eldest children for many years – this is despite claiming for them. Further to that, it is clear that Mr Danczuk’s youngest two children are resident in Rochdale. It is my belief that this is a clear abuse of the system and I would be grateful if you could investigate these claims as soon as possible. It is my belief that Mr Danczuk has been fraudulently abusing the system to the tune of £9,700 per year.

Further to this, I would like you to investigate the purchase of 34 rail tickets totalling £2,027.15, many of them first class, that Mr Danczuk claimed for ‘dependants’. As his ex-wife was formerly staff and his two youngest children too young – coupled with the fact that he has not seen his eldest children – it is my firm belief that Mr Danczuk has again been abusing the system. The cost to the taxpayer ranges from £25 right up to £170. As many of the tickets were purchased during term time, it is highly unlikely that his two youngest travelled in any case. I would be grateful if you could outline the rules with regards to the travel costs of MP’s ‘dependants’ and adjudicate whether Mr Danczuk has broken any more rules and what consequences he may face.

It is clear that MPs have a duty of care with regards to the use of public funds. It is imperative that the public have utmost trust in our politicians.