A question of transparency
SIR – Thank you for publishing my letter regarding Grant Shapps and subsequent reply to my question about his incidental expenses claim for �23,118. Mr Shapps is wrong to say the total expense claim of �127,152 is the only figure we should be focusing on
SIR - Thank you for publishing my letter regarding Grant Shapps and subsequent reply to my question about his incidental expenses claim for �23,118.
Mr Shapps is wrong to say the total expense claim of �127,152 is the only figure we should be focusing on, far more important to the debate is how this sum is arrived at.
Is there any wonder there is such national uproar when the rules for claiming expenses are so muddled and confusing, the only people who seem know how to claim are the claimants.
How is it that when there are clear clauses to claim for stationary, computers and staffing under separate headings, (which he claims for), it sort of gets included under incidental expenses provisions?
You may also want to watch:
The argument that he needs this amount of money because he works harder and needs to employ more staff, is nonsense.
His own party leader David Cameron claimed a mere �7,588 for IEP in the same period while his staffing costs totalled �103,633.
Most Read
- 1 Sky Studios Elstree starts recruitment drive ahead of planned 2022 opening
- 2 Rural land near Welwyn to go on sale next month
- 3 9 questions to decide how Welwyn Garden City you are!
- 4 Log thrown through hairdressers' window in Knebworth
- 5 £45m housing development to be showcased as buyers get chance to select home
- 6 Primary school receives award for excellence in science education
- 7 Residents and councillors react to Lloyds Bank closure
- 8 Meet the woman behind Welwyn Garden City’s Halloween postbox topper
- 9 Serial flasher who 'showed no remorse' jailed
- 10 When do the clocks go back in 2021 and British Summer Time ends?
Mr Shapps claimed �23,118 for IEP with �80,756 for staffing.
I do not wish to suggest or to question the integrity, honesty or hard working nature of our local member of parliament, but you can't preach openness and transparency on the one hand whilst practicing the very thing which prevents it.
Chris Whitelegg,
WGC.
