Local MPs disclose second-home claims

Details of all expense claims put in by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, Heywood & Middleton MP Jim Dobbin and Milnrow & Newhey MP Phil Woolas, are now available to view online.

The Commons authority have released the 2008-09 additional cost allowance — the part of MPs' expenses which allows them to run a second property in London.

The ACA caused much controversy earlier this year after abuses of the system were uncovered.

MPs could claim a maximum of £24,006 in 2008-09 to run their London home — Rochdale MP Paul Rowen claimed £20,468, Heywood & Middleton MP Jim Dobbin £5152.34 and Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas £23,987.

Mr Rowen made regular payments of £1,315.75 for mortgage interest on his second home and council tax bills, utility bills, tv licence and telephone/communication bills were also paid. Mr Rowen submitted monthly claims for food totalling £2,650.

The Rochdale MP claimed £20.65 for a new front door key, £520 in plumbing costs, £124.86 on a mortice lock with insurance and a pair of hinge bolts, and £285 on decorating.

Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin submitted monthly council tax, utility, water, TV license and telephone/communication bills as well as £20 a month cleaning bills. His food bills ranged from £15 to £320 a month.

The taxpayer footed bills for £37.61 in new pillows, a £39.99 kettle and a £557.84 Ikea bill on behalf of Mr Dobbin.

Mr Woolas spent more than £1,000 on cleaning and £325 on gardening services.

The 2008/09 claims for the Oldham East and Saddleworth MP show that included in the gardening cost was £140 for pruning an apple tree. No household items were purchased by the Labour MP and all items were receipted.

Mr Woolas said: “All my expenses have been put on my website. They are within the rules and the second-home allowance is necessary to allow ordinary people to become MPs, not just rich people.”

Regular payments for £1,068.88 were made for mortgage interest on his second home, and council-tax bill, water, electricity and a landline bill was also paid. Mr Woolas submitted monthly claims for food between £200 and £400.