ANOTHER mistake has been made by one of our MSPs in claiming expenses. This latest mistake involves the Deputy First Minister, whom I understand in his previous life was a senior manager with a large firm of accountants. I also believe he is a qualified solicitor. He is the latest in a long line of MSPs who seem to make "mistakes" while claiming their expenses. Is it little wonder, then, that politicians are increasingly held in contempt when these things are allowed to go on? There is apparently no requirement to pay back the expenses claimed as a result of the mistake.
These expenses should be paid back. I await with interest as to whether this particular member will do so. I have been a local government councillor for 23 years and have never in all that time made a mistake in claiming my expenses. I am not a solicitor or an accountant, and yet I have had no difficulty in interpreting the rules which govern the claiming of expenses.
Councillor Angus Graham, Gress, Assynt View, Back, Isle of Lewis.
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