The Expenses scandal hits Harlow

As you will see from the Herald and the Star, the MPs expenses scandal has hit Harlow this week, with the local MP, Bill Rammell, coming under the spotlight. His claims for home decoration, kitchen sinks, food, council tax and TV licence fee are claims that most seem to have irked local residents in Harlow.

My own view, was published in the Star, and I reproduce it below:

"As far as the individual items Bill has claimed for, I think it should be left to his constituents to decide whether or not they feel each purchase was an appropriate use of taxpayers’ money.

One of the most disappointing things to have come out of the recent revelations is that he classes his London house as his main residence. It is a bit rich for him to criticise me for living in Roydon instead of Harlow while at the same time deeming his main home to be in London. It’s all very well for him to say he has stopped claiming the ACA and welcomes a shake-up of the expenses system, but it’'s like shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted.”

I feel aggrieved that the MP chose to attack me for living in Roydon - an essential part of the Harlow Constituency (as is Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing & Sheering) - when it has now emerged that he describes his 'main home' as being in London (probably also funded by the taxpayer). Harlow is deemed his 'second home' allowing him to make all the claims - as outlined in the local papers. Contrary, to what has been suggested, there is no 'requirement' on Ministers to make London their 'main home', and many Ministers have 'main homes' in their Constituencies.

As a Parliamentary candidate/Prospective MP, I dont get any expenses or funds from the taxpayer, or even any kind of wage, and I entirely fund my home, by myself (like most people). I live in Roydon for a few reasons, the most important being that I was able to live in a ground floor flat - at reasonable cost. My walking disability makes stairs very difficult, and this ground floor dwelling is an absolute blessing.

In previous columns on my blog, I have been at pains to mention that this expenses problem has afflicted all parties and some Conservatives have found themselves - like Mr Rammell - in very hot water. However, it is very disappointing that the Harlow MP has seemingly taken advantage of the expenses and allowances available, for all they are worth, whilst giving out an image that is somewhat 'holier than thou'.

Even a Labour Party member (Pat Roberts), has been moved to make a public statement to the Harlow Star:

"I have known Bill for many years.........what he has done may be within the law, but as an MP having been brought up in a working class town with huge social problems, he should be more aware that he should not have claimed expenses such as those for a partial makeover on his own home. MPs take a lot of credit for their success stories, they must also face up to and take the consequences when they have failed us".

Mr Rammell should publish all his expenses online, since he was an MP (as many other Parliamentarians are now doing). He should also call a Public Meeting for all his constituents, so they can question him on his expense claims, so he can justify all the decisions he has made, in the way he has spent hard-earned taxpayer's money.

P.P.S. More details of Mr Rammell's expenses can be found HERE and HERE.

P.P.S. The Liberal Democrats' statement about the MP's expenses (also in the Star), was as follows:

“Bill owes his constituents a sincere apology for the way he has spent their money over the years and I think he should pay it all back. The fact he has made these claims according to the rules is neither here nor there; he should have realised his actions were immoral and unnecessary. Why should the taxpayer foot the bill every time he decides to redecorate his home or goes to the supermarket? It’s difficult to have any faith in him as an MP when you see the way he has exploited this privileged position for his own benefit."

P.P.P.S. I have written a number of articles about the fallout from the expenses saga, and what can be done to make a difference. You can read them HERE and HERE.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com