MPs’ expenses are condemned by readers

Jul 1 2009 by Richard Mooney, Wishaw Press

LAST week the Wishaw Press published reports explaining what your MP had been spending taxpayers’ money on through their own expenses.

Claims for Ex-Ravenscraig worker Frank Roy, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, included an LCD television, digital camera and advice on his tax returns, while Celtic chairman Dr John Reid, MP for Airdrie and Shotts, had claimed for everything from a women’s fashion magazine to a bar tip, tobacco, novels and nearly £9000 in home refurbishments.

We asked readers of the Wishaw Press to get in touch with us about what they thought and here are some of their views.

Eric Yardley, a window cleaner from Wishaw said he was really angry with what Frank Roy had claimed for, while 79-year-old Tony McNulty, former chief security officer for Motherwell District Council, wondered if Mr Roy could explain why he gets £750 for a TV while he has to pay for tax on his superannuation pension.

Neil Ford (52), a butcher from Wishaw and a Labour voter, also added his voice to the protests, saying he was “disgusted” by them.

Tom Bridge, a joiner from Shotts, had to go through a rigorous, detailed application process to get equipment for his son’s disability and thinks it is terrible that John Reid got away with claiming for a bar tip.

He said: “To be quite honest it’s outrageous what John Reid has claimed for. When I was reading through the articles in the Wishaw Press I just felt sheer anger at what MPs can get away with. Some of the things like toilet roll holders are laughable but it isn’t even a joke.

“But they’re probably not going to be bothered about it because in their eyes they haven’t done anything wrong. As far as I’m concerned they’re spending our money – the taxpayers’ money.”

Stuart Graham (50), an engineer from Shotts, said: “Everyone I spoke to is absolutely raging. Spending money on the house is one thing, but buying magazines and things like novels is ridiculous.

“How does he get to claim for nearly £9000 in home refurbishments whereas if it was you or me we’d have to pay for it out of our own pockets.

“I just hope Dr Reid doesn’t have a book outstanding from the library because he would probably claim that on expenses as well. I just read in the paper that he got an honorary degree from Stirling University. He’ll probably claim the frame for that in his expenses. It’s just ridiculous.”

Helen McLelland (65), from Newmains, said John Reid’s claims were “scandalous.” She added: “My son is self-employed and he does his own tax returns. He gets his own VAT receipts, so he can claim it back. Young businessmen, like my son, starting off have to pay for everything. I’ve got to pay for my council tax, my cup of coffee, me and my husband’s tobacco but I think it’s just scandalous that they claim for everything.

“It made me think, oh my god, what a corrupt world we’re living in. Are they all in it to line their own pockets?”

If you want to let your MP know what you think, then call Mr Roy’s constituency office in Wishaw on (01698) 303040, or email him at royf@parliament.uk

If you live in Shotts, then call Dr John Reid’s constituency office on (01236) 748777or email him on reidj@parliament.uk

Visit www.parliament.uk to view the expenses of your Member of Parliament.