Sixteen London MPs are claiming up to £22,000 a year in taxpayer-funded expenses for second homes, despite all living less than an hour's commute from Westminster. The claims, made under the Additional Costs Allowance, are legal but have drawn criticism from campaigners who argue they are unnecessary given modern parliamentary hours.
The allowance, capped at £22,110 annually, was originally designed to help MPs from outside London cover the cost of staying overnight near Parliament. However, research by the Evening Standard reveals that MPs representing outer London constituencies are using it to maintain second properties, often in the capital or elsewhere.
Among those claiming the full amount are Barry Gardiner (Brent North, 26 minutes from Westminster), Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead, 28 minutes), Andrew Rosindell (Romford, 40 minutes), and Mike Gapes (Ilford South, 39 minutes). Mr Cohen defended the claim as a 'use it or lose it' perk, calling it 'an adjunct to the salary'. Mr Gardiner said the allowance covered his Westminster flat and was 'perfectly legal' and 'common sense'.
Critics argue that changes to Commons sitting hours—now more family-friendly with morning sessions and extra Fridays off—mean MPs have ample time to commute. Matthew Elliott of the Taxpayers' Alliance said: 'All the arguments used in the past to justify Greater London MPs having a second home have been blown away.' Liberal Democrat candidate James Allie added: 'There is no conceivable reason why taxpayers should be paying a fortune to house London-based Labour MPs.'
Inner London MPs are not eligible for the allowance but receive a London supplement instead. The revelations come after it was reported that London's 73 MPs claimed nearly £9 million in allowances and expenses in 2006-07.
