Updated: Voters call on MP Amess to explain expenses claims (From Echo)
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Updated: Voters call on MP Amess to explain expenses claims
7:30am Friday 29th May 2009 in News By Geoff Percival
David Amess
MORE than 90 per cent of voters approached by the Echo in MP David Amess’s constituency are urging him to come clean and explain his expenses claims.
On Wednesday, the Echo challenged Mr Amess on the campaign trail in the wake of revelations he claimed the maximum of £400 for food every month for the past four years.
Since the expenses story broke, the Echo has repeatedly tried to contact Mr Amess, but he has declined to talk to us about the issue.
Mr Amess’s claims for food are part of his second home allowance. For the past four years, he has claimed more than £20,000 a year under the allowance towards the running of his second home.
Yesterday the Echo carried out a poll on the streets of his Southend West constituency.
We asked whether Mr Amess should call a public meeting to tell his constituents why he spent the money and explain the rest of his taxpayer-funded allowances.
Ninety per cent of the 112 people we spoke to said he should.
Five per cent said no and five per cent were undecided.
There was anger on the streets about the revelations and the way Mr Amess and other MPs have conducted themselves.
The elder statesman of Southend politics, former Conservative MP Sir Teddy Taylor, was reluctant to comment on the issue affecting one of his former colleagues.
He said: “In the horrible situation facing MPs now, I feel the best thing is for everyone to be completely open and to not try and hide. I think it would be wrong to say anything further and it is up to the Southend West Conservative Association to look after its own affairs.”
MP avoids questions over expenses by running into hairdressers
MP DAVID Amess ran from the Echo to avoid questions after his expenses showed he claimed the maximum of £400 for food every month for the past four years.
The Tory MP sought refuge in a hairdressers’ as he tried to duck the issue.
He eventually made his escape when a car arrived at the salon in Westcliff and drove him away, with Mr Amess hiding his face behind a leaflet.
The Southend West MP’s extraordinary actions came after it emerged he claimed the maximum £19,000 on expenses for food over the past four years.
The cash is on top of his salary of £64,766.
Mr Amess has refused to answer or return phone calls about the expenses affair, so the Echo tracked him down while he was out canvassing in Westborough ward in Westcliff.
When approached by the Echo, Mr Amess, who had been talking to a constituent in the street, turned on his heel and crossed the road.
As he walked away and was being questioned, he said: “Thank you for the opportunity, but I don’t want to comment.”
Shielded by Southend Tory councillor Jason Luty and a female member of his Westminster office staff and another Conservative member, Mr Amess went into Regency hairdressers’, in Westborough Road, where the woman with the group slammed the door in our face.
He spent half an hour in the salon drinking tea, before a car pulled up and he jumped in to avoid talking to the Echo further.
Staff and a customer at the salon were more willing to talk to the Echo.
They said Mr Amess had explained to them we wanted to talk to him about expenses and he admitted claiming for a second home.
One customer, who did not want to be named, but lives in Milton ward, said: “He should explain himself. Running like that makes it looks worse.
“All the MPs should be exposed for what they are. They get a salary and that should be enough. They should live off of that, like the rest of us do. It’s such a scandal.”
Manager of the salon, Lisa Haggerty, said: “I know Mr Amess and he has helped me out in the past. He’s always very helpful and hard working.
“If the money is for taking people to lunch or tea for constituents when they visit his surgery, that’s fine. If you work for a big firm you get an expenses account and so should MPs.”
But Sylvia Fry, 78, of Glenwood Avenue, Westcliff, said: “I’m rapidly going off him.
“The whole aspect of expenses makes me very cross. It’s not fair. Why should we have to pay for food and not MPs? I understand they must do a certain amount of entertaining, but not that much.
“He should come forward and explain himself.
“Some have definitely abused the system. If they weren’t MPs they would be on trial for it.”
Another pensioner from Westcliff, who didn’t want to be named, added: “I don’t agree with any of it whatever party they are.
“I don’t think they should have expenses.
“They should use a hostel or hotel or commute to London like ordinary people do.
“I’ve always voted Conservative, but now I have my doubts. I just don’t know what to do for the best.”
Comments(109)
SARFENDMAN
says...
7:37am Thu 28 May 09
Francis Grubb
says...
7:55am Thu 28 May 09
However, he’s done himself no favours by pathetically running away from the Echo reporter & not having the bottle to take this opportunity to explain himself. To me, this just sums him up as the political lightweight he’s always seemed to be…
Frank
Soozie
says...
8:01am Thu 28 May 09
400 quid a month ios a lot of food.
When he ducked into the hairdressers, should have done himself a favour and got his hair cut - blurg!
j-w
says...
8:42am Thu 28 May 09
"I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week".
"Well thank you" says the florist and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 roses sat on the step, waiting for the hairdresser when she arrives to work.
Tuesday - a butcher goes into the hairdressers and has his hair done and then goes to pay.
"I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week".
"Well thank you" says the butcher and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 doughnuts sat on the step, waiting for the hairdresser when she arrives to work.
Wednesday - an MP goes into the hairdressers and has his hair done and then goes to pay.
"I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week".
"Well thank you" says the MP and leaves the shop.
Next day there's 12 MPs waiting on her step :-)
j-w
says...
8:44am Thu 28 May 09
SARFENDMAN
says...
9:06am Thu 28 May 09
j-w wrote:You too listen to Ken Bruce in the morning on BBC Radio 2?
the florist has her hair done and then goes to pay. "I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week". "Well thank you" says the florist and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 roses sat on the step, waiting for the hairdresser when she arrives to work. Tuesday - a butcher goes into the hairdressers and has his hair done and then goes to pay. "I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week". "Well thank you" says the butcher and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 doughnuts sat on the step, waiting for the hairdresser when she arrives to work. Wednesday - an MP goes into the hairdressers and has his hair done and then goes to pay. "I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week". "Well thank you" says the MP and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 MPs waiting on her step :-)
leighbloke
says...
9:09am Thu 28 May 09
I cant believe he hid in a hairdressers..this could be a good fun story for the nationals.
What a rotten MP we have.
jayman
says...
9:58am Thu 28 May 09
margrete
says...
10:21am Thu 28 May 09
SARFENDMAN wrote:No, this joke is also circulating on the internet. More people log on than listen to Radio 2!
j-w wrote:You too listen to Ken Bruce in the morning on BBC Radio 2?
the florist has her hair done and then goes to pay. "I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week". "Well thank you" says the florist and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 roses sat on the step, waiting for the hairdresser when she arrives to work. Tuesday - a butcher goes into the hairdressers and has his hair done and then goes to pay. "I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week". "Well thank you" says the butcher and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 doughnuts sat on the step, waiting for the hairdresser when she arrives to work. Wednesday - an MP goes into the hairdressers and has his hair done and then goes to pay. "I cannot accept any money" says the hairdresser, "I'm on community service this week". "Well thank you" says the MP and leaves the shop. Next day there's 12 MPs waiting on her step :-)
Soozie
says...
10:28am Thu 28 May 09
TheWizzard
says...
11:18am Thu 28 May 09
colourzoom
says...
11:35am Thu 28 May 09
But what's the turnout in Southend at election time? I seem to recall that something like only 3 or 4 out of ten people in the borough bothered to vote last time, and the majority of those are probably Tories who are so wealthy they will all vote Tory rather than let in another MP who might rock the boat.
If my fellow Southenders got off their corpulent backsides and voted at elections, we could have got rid of this idiot MP years ago. Southend therefore collectively deserves the appalling MP it's got - it's just a shame that we all have to suffer as a result of their apathy.
Exercise your right to vote in elections and make something happen. As the song goes: if you tolerate this, then your children will be next.
leighbloke
says...
11:36am Thu 28 May 09
Could he just run away this time?
andyh
says...
11:51am Thu 28 May 09
It IS a lot of money, but I'm not so confident that it is outrageous.
lfsouthend
says...
12:39pm Thu 28 May 09
Partyboy2
says...
1:09pm Thu 28 May 09
lfsouthend wrote:I agree, I easily spend that a month on food however it does come out of my own pocket! Why should he use our money to feed himself?
With 5 children, i don't think that £100 a week is unreasonable, how ridiculous!!!
Radar Ears
says...
1:10pm Thu 28 May 09
lfsouthend wrote:
With 5 children, i don't think that £100 a week is unreasonable, how ridiculous!!!
It darn well is !
Everyone else has to feed their kids with money FROM their salary, not get extra ON TOP of their salary.
He wanted to be a bloody MP, it's his job, just like most of have our jobs to pay our way in life.
He chose to be in politics, no-one railroaded him into it, did they.
Therefore, he should cough up and pay his own bills from his gigantic £64,766 yearly wage.
Mark D
says...
1:32pm Thu 28 May 09
Radar Ears wrote:I also agree it seems unreasonable. My understanding is that the food allowance is to cover additional expenses that are incurred while doing his duties as an MP - not to subsidise his family's eating habits. Who knows, maybe he has a reasonable explanation, but for the time being his silence speaks volumes...
lfsouthend wrote: With 5 children, i don't think that £100 a week is unreasonable, how ridiculous!!!It darn well is ! Everyone else has to feed their kids with money FROM their salary, not get extra ON TOP of their salary. He wanted to be a bloody MP, it's his job, just like most of have our jobs to pay our way in life. He chose to be in politics, no-one railroaded him into it, did they. Therefore, he should cough up and pay his own bills from his gigantic £64,766 yearly wage.
Soozie
says...
1:39pm Thu 28 May 09
Mark D wrote:I also believe that these expenses have some sort of restrictions, i.e. you have to be gone over 10 hours from home and leave before a certain time each morning.
Radar Ears wrote:I also agree it seems unreasonable. My understanding is that the food allowance is to cover additional expenses that are incurred while doing his duties as an MP - not to subsidise his family's eating habits. Who knows, maybe he has a reasonable explanation, but for the time being his silence speaks volumes...lfsouthend wrote: With 5 children, i don't think that £100 a week is unreasonable, how ridiculous!!!It darn well is ! Everyone else has to feed their kids with money FROM their salary, not get extra ON TOP of their salary. He wanted to be a bloody MP, it's his job, just like most of have our jobs to pay our way in life. He chose to be in politics, no-one railroaded him into it, did they. Therefore, he should cough up and pay his own bills from his gigantic £64,766 yearly wage.
I'd like to know if he claims this money even when the MPS are off for the summer. As in every month of the year.
AC
says...
1:40pm Thu 28 May 09
Someone said that a vote for the BNP is the only solution except that the BNP are renowned for claiming expenses, even in Council seats which they don't bother to sit in.
It's human nature sadly. whilst we can all complain about it, I bet that 90% of people in a position to put a claim in can and would do.
The story here isn't that David Amess is claiming expenses that he's legally entitled too, it's that he ran away and hid rather than speak to his constituents. That speaks volumes for both the way that the media have turned the expenses saga into the latest outrage to sell papers now that Pig Flu has died off, and also of how little backbone Amess must have.
SARFENDMAN
says...
1:49pm Thu 28 May 09
TheWizzard wrote:Nope! A Tory cardboard cut out would get elected in this safe seat.
Another mp to bite the dust then
Michael Vincent
says...
1:52pm Thu 28 May 09
AC wrote:You are kidding aren't you? David Amess's expenses are paid for by the TAXPAYER. Anyone else's are paid for by their company. It is entirely right that the Echo, on our behalf, gets the MP to be accountable for us.
But that's the job though. Plenty of people are lucky enough to be able to claim expenses. I suspect that the reporters on the Echo will be able to put in claims for food when they are away from home. Someone said that a vote for the BNP is the only solution except that the BNP are renowned for claiming expenses, even in Council seats which they don't bother to sit in. It's human nature sadly. whilst we can all complain about it, I bet that 90% of people in a position to put a claim in can and would do. The story here isn't that David Amess is claiming expenses that he's legally entitled too, it's that he ran away and hid rather than speak to his constituents. That speaks volumes for both the way that the media have turned the expenses saga into the latest outrage to sell papers now that Pig Flu has died off, and also of how little backbone Amess must have.
Mark D
says...
2:05pm Thu 28 May 09
Michael Vincent wrote:I agree: if you or I submit dubious expenses claims, it would be totally appropriate for our employers to scrutinise our behaviour. The same goes for MPs.
AC wrote: But that's the job though. Plenty of people are lucky enough to be able to claim expenses. I suspect that the reporters on the Echo will be able to put in claims for food when they are away from home. Someone said that a vote for the BNP is the only solution except that the BNP are renowned for claiming expenses, even in Council seats which they don't bother to sit in. It's human nature sadly. whilst we can all complain about it, I bet that 90% of people in a position to put a claim in can and would do. The story here isn't that David Amess is claiming expenses that he's legally entitled too, it's that he ran away and hid rather than speak to his constituents. That speaks volumes for both the way that the media have turned the expenses saga into the latest outrage to sell papers now that Pig Flu has died off, and also of how little backbone Amess must have.You are kidding aren't you? David Amess's expenses are paid for by the TAXPAYER. Anyone else's are paid for by their company. It is entirely right that the Echo, on our behalf, gets the MP to be accountable for us.
Tiger Rider
says...
2:10pm Thu 28 May 09
Still, what can we expect from a man seriously raising the issue of 'cake' in parliament. For those of you that don't remember, this was a brass eye set up. 'Cake', was the made up name of a pretend illegal drug, it was not real. Out of all the issues he could have raised he chose that, out of touch or what?
I suppose it proves the old adage:
YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT!
trell
says...
2:31pm Thu 28 May 09
Tiger Rider wrote:I remember that. Chris Morris & Brass Eye.
Surely canvassing is a prime opportunity to address the concerns of the electorate? Not run away from them.
Still, what can we expect from a man seriously raising the issue of 'cake' in parliament. For those of you that don't remember, this was a brass eye set up. 'Cake', was the made up name of a pretend illegal drug, it was not real. Out of all the issues he could have raised he chose that, out of touch or what?
I suppose it proves the old adage:
YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT!
Amess was a complete tool in Basildon. He's still one now in Southend. Soozie said pretty much what I've thought of him. He looks like one of those oily smarmy used car/double glazing salesmen.
I'd like to see what David Cameron's going to do with people like Amess. If Cameron does chuck him from the Conservative party, I may vote Tory. If not, then I guess Cameron was full of B.S when he talked about cleaning up his party, and will probably vote somewhere else.
Range Rover
says...
2:41pm Thu 28 May 09
Are all the readers aware that a photograph exists of a younger Mr Amess posing with 2 of these men? Didnt think so. Greedy little piggy.
Soozie
says...
2:51pm Thu 28 May 09
You and me both Trell. Lets see if Cameron is able to walk his talk.
Think it is believe nothing of what you hear, and half of what you see when it comes to these MPs.
Time
says...
3:32pm Thu 28 May 09
purple rain
says...
4:20pm Thu 28 May 09
I am sure that ther are a few questions that he wouldn't want put to him eh Bob!!!
evilc
says...
4:32pm Thu 28 May 09
Two bits you might try:
1. A baby to kiss.
2.A soap box
Dingo
says...
5:08pm Thu 28 May 09
I am rather confused as to how a person could feasibly hide in a hairdressers.
Perhaps, he secreted himself behind the hairdresser's chair?
Sat himself down and placed his head in one of the stand alone hair dryers?
Maybe, he was last spotted crawling into the plug hole of a hair washing sink.
Amess, you're an a$$.
pony
says...
6:02pm Thu 28 May 09
typhoon32
says...
7:07pm Thu 28 May 09
Echo leave the MPs alone will you, you're obviously a bit old, this story has been and passed now.
bumper
says...
7:38pm Thu 28 May 09
there all at it and who gets the bill yes you know the tax payer use .
leighman
says...
8:06pm Thu 28 May 09
Soozie
says...
9:21pm Thu 28 May 09
leighman wrote:Seriously? If that is the case then the guy is a real piece of work.
This £400 a month obviously can't be enough to sustain the Amess household, for I, on several occasions have seen this excuse for a politician skulking round the reduced items section in Morrisons in Hadleigh. My wife has also spotted him buying up reduced plants in Southend Homebase. This man is truly lower than a snakes belly.
Skulking, what a great word to describe someone sneaky and not fit for purpose.
typhoon32
says...
9:39pm Thu 28 May 09
Soozie
says...
9:45pm Thu 28 May 09
typhoon32 wrote:pardon?
I never forget the time that when somebody asked who he was my dad said 'creep' rather loud lol of course David Amess gave him a funny look so I guess he got the message.
resident3
says...
9:46pm Thu 28 May 09
typhoon32
says...
9:48pm Thu 28 May 09
123oliver
says...
9:52pm Thu 28 May 09
typhoon32
says...
9:55pm Thu 28 May 09
Soozie
says...
9:57pm Thu 28 May 09
typhoon32 wrote:I don't think that will happen - no offence.
You could always vote me as your PM
typhoon32
says...
10:05pm Thu 28 May 09
Sparte
says...
10:46pm Thu 28 May 09
charlie croker
says...
10:49pm Thu 28 May 09
Even this isn't enough, no sir, he wants us to pay for his food too. If he really believes that he needs £400 per month just for food, then I expect he will be voting to raise unemployment benefit to a similar level?
And when called to account, this paragon of free speech and democracy does what? Oh that;s it he runs and hides like the insects under a stone when exposed to light.
In the name of common decency, he should resign!
nota
says...
10:51pm Thu 28 May 09
Trainman
says...
11:01pm Thu 28 May 09
HE should try himself, along with the rest of them that NEED expenses.
Yes I AM fuming about it and WHY NOT?
weezypops
says...
11:08pm Thu 28 May 09
At first he was all smiles but when our questions got a bit tricky for him, he literally turned and ran off down the street. He was quite a sight, clutching his balloons with his coat tails flapping in the breeze. We stood there gobsmacked.
It's nice to see he still has the same level of class, and transparancy that he always has.
Trainman
says...
11:23pm Thu 28 May 09
weezypops wrote:I wonder if they were RED Balloons as sung by Basildon Based group until 1964 and The Dave Clark Five?
Ha, this is so familiar. Back in 1997 when I was a mere 18 years old and voting for the first time, some friends and I stopped Mr. Amess in the street when he was out canvassing (actually he was handing out balloons to toddlers but apparently that amounts to the same thing). At first he was all smiles but when our questions got a bit tricky for him, he literally turned and ran off down the street. He was quite a sight, clutching his balloons with his coat tails flapping in the breeze. We stood there gobsmacked. It's nice to see he still has the same level of class, and transparancy that he always has.
leighbloke
says...
11:39pm Thu 28 May 09
Why not hold a public debate with the other 2 candiates with questions put by southend west residents?A neutral chairman perhaps the editor of the echo.
Why noy sort it Echo?
ps loved the front page today.
Amess to supply the food and drink...perhaps not.
mmmm?
says...
11:47pm Thu 28 May 09
Southendman
says...
12:19am Fri 29 May 09
revolution23
says...
1:14am Fri 29 May 09
mmmm?
says...
4:02am Fri 29 May 09
Soozie
says...
8:02am Fri 29 May 09
mmmm? wrote:Scuse me? Where does it say he was running from me you twit?
I'm wonderering firstly how many people here would claim the full amount of money for food expenses if they were doing jury service? This is I believe Tax-payers money, would you also claim for travel???? I also don't understand the whole throat cutting business or name calling, or why anyone would want to bring David Amess's kids into it. This is what I would call bullying.I think this is outrageous, especially a we are supposed to live in a tolerant society. We have freedom of speach, although in somecases it seems to fairly limited on here. I accept that most of you don't agree with his political views and that's fair enough. What ever floats your boat. BUT some of these comments are vile and really quite offensive. I don't think there is anything wrong with buying food or plants that are reduced. Can any one on here explain exactly what the rules are regarding claims for food. I was also wondering Soozie why he was running away from you? Was you calling him names? The other thing i would like to point out if you have something to say in the paper, own it and put your name to it. I reckon the majority of people would claim something, if they could,just look at the claims for whiplash!!It may not be Taxpapers money, but its your premiums.
Was you? What kind of English that you muppet?
charlie croker
says...
8:20am Fri 29 May 09
Are you saying that he has done nothing wrong. That claiming £19,000 just for food over 4 years, while some of the people he represents will have been struggling to make ends meet is right and proper? That people who have to try and economise, are paying taxes so he can have free food?
I bet there are a few pensioners who would like £4,750 a year to spend just on food! Or hard up families struggling to feed & clothe their kids.
The man is a rogue and deep down I suspect you know it.
There are far too many MPs on this gravy train, the sooner they get off the better!
JuliaM
says...
8:22am Fri 29 May 09
We are supposed to be tolerant of fraud and freeloading, are we?
Radar Ears
says...
8:32am Fri 29 May 09
typhoon32 wrote:
David did you get the rather unsightly mess off you in the end? Echo leave the MPs alone will you, you're obviously a bit old, this story has been and passed now.
Related to Amess are we ?
Soozie
says...
8:34am Fri 29 May 09
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/news/newstopi
cs/mps-expenses/5402
787/MPs-expenses-MPs
-shamed-into-standin
g-down-in-line-for-p
ay-offs.html
ISee2
says...
8:54am Fri 29 May 09
I assume that the claim was made under the MP’s Additional Costs Allowance. Looking for example at the July 2006 Rules it is apparent that such allowance was only available in specific and limited circumstances when staying overnight away from home for the purpose of performing Parliamentary duties:
“"3.1.1 The Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) reimburses for expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred when staying overnight away from their main UK residence (referred to below as their main home) for the purpose of performing Parliamentary duties. "
The rule book explains that food costs may be reimbursed when claimed as part of a hotel bill for an overnight stay or as “reasonable additional costs while you are away from your main house.”
Thus reimbursement for food expenditure could only have been claimed when accompanying an overnight stay away from Mr Amess’ main home which I assume is in his constituency.
As we all know Parliament does not sit continuously but has numerous, and frequently very lengthy recesses. Indeed the Parliament web site discloses that in the year 2007/08 Parliament sat for just 165 days (and for an average of just under 8 hours per day).
Given the limited number of days of sitting and the very extensive recess periods, it is difficult to understand why Mr Amess had “necessarily” to incur food costs associated with staying away overnight for the purpose of discharging his Parliamentary duties on such a consistent basis.
In some months there will have been few sittings and in certain months of the year none at all.
Perhaps when you catch up with Mr Amess you could ask him: why was £400 spent on food as being necessary to perform Parliamentary functions during months (for example August) when Parliament did not sit at all ?
typhoon32
says...
9:32am Fri 29 May 09
Radar Ears wrote:No I'm not, I'm attempting to bring stability on the subject rather than it blowing out of proportion, to do this, it is necessary for the media to shut up.
typhoon32 wrote:
David did you get the rather unsightly mess off you in the end? Echo leave the MPs alone will you, you're obviously a bit old, this story has been and passed now.
Related to Amess are we ?
Indeed we have democracy but democracy should not be made a mockery of by the media
JuliaM
says...
9:43am Fri 29 May 09
No, it isn't.
This isn't Russia 20 years ago. Though it seems you'd prefer that it was...
AC
says...
9:51am Fri 29 May 09
Michael Vincent wrote:Of course it's right. All MPs expenses should be in the public domain and open to scrutiny not just by the press but by their constituents also.
AC wrote: But that's the job though. Plenty of people are lucky enough to be able to claim expenses. I suspect that the reporters on the Echo will be able to put in claims for food when they are away from home. Someone said that a vote for the BNP is the only solution except that the BNP are renowned for claiming expenses, even in Council seats which they don't bother to sit in. It's human nature sadly. whilst we can all complain about it, I bet that 90% of people in a position to put a claim in can and would do. The story here isn't that David Amess is claiming expenses that he's legally entitled too, it's that he ran away and hid rather than speak to his constituents. That speaks volumes for both the way that the media have turned the expenses saga into the latest outrage to sell papers now that Pig Flu has died off, and also of how little backbone Amess must have.You are kidding aren't you? David Amess's expenses are paid for by the TAXPAYER. Anyone else's are paid for by their company. It is entirely right that the Echo, on our behalf, gets the MP to be accountable for us.
But if we're saying that MPs can't claim expenses because they are claiming tax payers money then does that mean that Nurses working away from home can't claim for transport and food? Or is that acceptable because they don't earn much money? Ok, what about a Doctor who earns twice what an MP does? Where do you draw the line.
The reality is that certain professions are lucky enough to include expenses in their package. And claiming for lunch at the House of Commons or dinner at his consituency is a legitimate use of expense money. Renovating a second home in order to profit from it's sale or paying for a moat for the ducks that live in their garden clearly is not. Failing to differentiate the two simply serves to reduce the debate to the absolute base level.
pony
says...
10:02am Fri 29 May 09
They seek him here
They seek him there
The Echo seeks the greedy coward everywhere
His he heaven of course he is.
Now lets give him Hell..
AC
says...
10:08am Fri 29 May 09
ISee2 wrote:Fantastic research.
You report Mr Amess as having claimed the same round number sum with robotic regularity - £400 – each month for years, but I find it difficult to understand how that can have occurred. I assume that the claim was made under the MP’s Additional Costs Allowance. Looking for example at the July 2006 Rules it is apparent that such allowance was only available in specific and limited circumstances when staying overnight away from home for the purpose of performing Parliamentary duties: “"3.1.1 The Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) reimburses for expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred when staying overnight away from their main UK residence (referred to below as their main home) for the purpose of performing Parliamentary duties. " The rule book explains that food costs may be reimbursed when claimed as part of a hotel bill for an overnight stay or as “reasonable additional costs while you are away from your main house.” Thus reimbursement for food expenditure could only have been claimed when accompanying an overnight stay away from Mr Amess’ main home which I assume is in his constituency. As we all know Parliament does not sit continuously but has numerous, and frequently very lengthy recesses. Indeed the Parliament web site discloses that in the year 2007/08 Parliament sat for just 165 days (and for an average of just under 8 hours per day). Given the limited number of days of sitting and the very extensive recess periods, it is difficult to understand why Mr Amess had “necessarily” to incur food costs associated with staying away overnight for the purpose of discharging his Parliamentary duties on such a consistent basis. In some months there will have been few sittings and in certain months of the year none at all. Perhaps when you catch up with Mr Amess you could ask him: why was £400 spent on food as being necessary to perform Parliamentary functions during months (for example August) when Parliament did not sit at all ?
If Amess has been claiming for things that he isn't supposed to be claiming for then it's absolutely right that he should be brought to task over it. I don't agree though that no MPs should be claiming any expensess. If they have a legitimate claim then they should put it in and should be reimbursed. The systems needs a complete overhaul and it needs to be open. But it also needs to held in a more dignified and public manner than just being the subkect of the Press's latest witch-hunt.
John Mason
says...
10:55am Fri 29 May 09
He also claims the public is the loser, as the House Of Commons insurers will foot the £15,000 bill.
Southend: Amess - No shame over legal apology
From the archive, first published Monday 25th Nov 2002.
An MP who wrote a letter of apology and handed over £15,000 to a businessman to settle a legal dispute has spoken for the first time about the year-long saga.
Former Basildon MP David Amess, now MP for Southend West, paid the cash to KeyMed for making unfounded comments about managing director Mike Woodford. The Conservative MP is furious about the story being made public.
He also claims the public is the loser, as the House Of Commons insurers will foot the £15,000 bill.
Mr Amess was served with a High Court writ for slander after saying "there must be an ulterior motive" for the extensive charity work the firm has done. The comments were made at a party after Mr Woodford was awarded an MBE for his services to road safety.
Mr Amess spoke to the Evening Echo at the Southend Musical Festival, at Crowstone Christian Centre, Kings Road, Westcliff. He said: "I think the Evening Echo reporting of this matter was an absolute disgrace.
"To think of all the important issues we face locally and the Evening Echo can spend two pages on allegations from a private drinks party which I and my wife hosted.
"The matter brings no shame upon myself but it does to all those who are responsible for it.
"The money involved in this matter is coming out of the public purse - that is the House of Commons insurers. I would expect the general public might think that money could be better spent.
"I never sought to publicise any of this."
Published Monday, November 25, 2002
Brought to you by the Evening Echo
Archive Home
Teri-Alicante
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11:39am Fri 29 May 09
I lived in Westcliff and worked in London for nearly ten years. I did not need a second home, nor did I need to be supplemented for my food while in London.
MPs get free travel on public transport, I had to pay all my rail fares from my salary.
David Amess - resign now! You and your fellow MPs are a disgrace.
benfleetgeeza
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12:13pm Fri 29 May 09
googleman
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2:11pm Fri 29 May 09
maureen
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2:19pm Fri 29 May 09
shallotman
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2:23pm Fri 29 May 09
La Ina
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2:50pm Fri 29 May 09
maureen
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4:05pm Fri 29 May 09
maureen
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4:06pm Fri 29 May 09
soul man
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4:26pm Fri 29 May 09
leighman
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5:01pm Fri 29 May 09
maureen
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5:30pm Fri 29 May 09
resident3
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5:40pm Fri 29 May 09
1. Repay the money
2. Resign
3. Be prosecuted with the same vigour we reserve for benefit fraudsters.
Running away from reporters and refusing to comment only confirms suspicions that he has acted dishonourably and dishonestly, and the trust that he once enjoyed has been destroyed forever.
mmmm?
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8:51pm Fri 29 May 09
Soozie wrote:Sticks and stones etc. Apologies to all, for my dreadful English. My compliments on your phenomenal vocabulary.
mmmm? wrote: I'm wonderering firstly how many people here would claim the full amount of money for food expenses if they were doing jury service? This is I believe Tax-payers money, would you also claim for travel???? I also don't understand the whole throat cutting business or name calling, or why anyone would want to bring David Amess's kids into it. This is what I would call bullying.I think this is outrageous, especially a we are supposed to live in a tolerant society. We have freedom of speach, although in somecases it seems to fairly limited on here. I accept that most of you don't agree with his political views and that's fair enough. What ever floats your boat. BUT some of these comments are vile and really quite offensive. I don't think there is anything wrong with buying food or plants that are reduced. Can any one on here explain exactly what the rules are regarding claims for food. I was also wondering Soozie why he was running away from you? Was you calling him names? The other thing i would like to point out if you have something to say in the paper, own it and put your name to it. I reckon the majority of people would claim something, if they could,just look at the claims for whiplash!!It may not be Taxpapers money, but its your premiums.Scuse me? Where does it say he was running from me you twit? Was you? What kind of English that you muppet?
mmmm?
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8:57pm Fri 29 May 09
Soozie wrote:Right here
When the Echo tried to quiz him on the claim, while he was out canvassing in Westcliff, he run away from us and hid in a hairdressers. Creep - and coward.
Nebs
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11:17pm Fri 29 May 09
revolution23
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12:36am Sat 30 May 09
revolution23
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12:40am Sat 30 May 09
Michael Vincent
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12:55am Sat 30 May 09
Nebs wrote:I take it you're being ironic?
It will be a sorry day for this country when an elected MP cannot spend his expenses in any way he sees fit.
David Amess is quite happy to have his face in the paper opening a school fete but ask him a difficult question and he runs a mile. He is not fit to be an MP. I am ashamed to call him my MP. If I were Southend West Tory Association, I would haul him over the coals and force him to come clean. Refusing to answer questions of legitimate public interest shows how arrogant the man is. Oh how I wish we could get rid of him but sadly the voters of Southend West will vote for him as a default because they vote Conservative.
revolution23
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1:16am Sat 30 May 09
revolution23
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1:16am Sat 30 May 09
Soozie
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5:10am Sat 30 May 09
mmmm? wrote:that was a quote from the paper, I copied and pasted.Creep and coward I wrote.
Soozie wrote: When the Echo tried to quiz him on the claim, while he was out canvassing in Westcliff, he run away from us and hid in a hairdressers. Creep - and coward.Right here
charlie croker
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8:43am Sat 30 May 09
So Amess has done nothing wrong then, that seems to be the approved response. He was entitled to the money.
OK, please answer me this then, why if he has done nothing wrong, does he feel the need to run and hide from reporter? (MPs usually love appearing in the local paper).
As for comments about it costing significant amounts to work in the West End of London and cost of restaurants. The Palace of Westminster has some outstanding bars and restaurants, and best of all they are TAX FREE! That's right he actually gets to pay less for food and refreshments than us but still feels we should chip in!
Get him out!
pony
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9:59am Sat 30 May 09
Don't allow him to get away with the Nurenburg answer (I was only following orders )"I did everything within the rules ."
Jane D
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10:27am Sat 30 May 09
resident3
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11:25am Sat 30 May 09
shallotman
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12:05pm Sat 30 May 09
googleman
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12:32pm Sat 30 May 09
typhoon32
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4:14pm Sat 30 May 09
charlie croker wrote:Well I'd run from the reporters because I dislike them, most politicians dislike news reporters because they are bringers of bad news.
Good to see the Amess family and the "party" stalwarts posting here.
So Amess has done nothing wrong then, that seems to be the approved response. He was entitled to the money.
OK, please answer me this then, why if he has done nothing wrong, does he feel the need to run and hide from reporter? (MPs usually love appearing in the local paper).
As for comments about it costing significant amounts to work in the West End of London and cost of restaurants. The Palace of Westminster has some outstanding bars and restaurants, and best of all they are TAX FREE! That's right he actually gets to pay less for food and refreshments than us but still feels we should chip in!
Get him out!
Surely we aren't going to kick MPs out over shopping bills now are we?
This country is being made a fool over this expenses revelations, David Cameron keeps hooting and harping about bringing police in to investigate in the hope that he will regain trust personally and become the next PM, well I hope he dosen't succeed in becoming that.
Again I call on the media to be quite and move on to another story unless of course we are all enjoying getting annoyed over all this
Michael Vincent
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4:42pm Sat 30 May 09
typhoon32 wrote:Wrong, wrong, wrong on so many counts. If David Amess is opening a school or church fete does he ever run? No he does not, ever. He is a PUBLIC servant. The media are there to help keep these people accountable. The Telegraph and papers like the Echo have done the public a great service by ensuring these people are held accountable by those who elect them for the first time ever. That is why Amess is running scared. Long may the media hold them to account. We as the public cannot.
charlie croker wrote: Good to see the Amess family and the "party" stalwarts posting here. So Amess has done nothing wrong then, that seems to be the approved response. He was entitled to the money. OK, please answer me this then, why if he has done nothing wrong, does he feel the need to run and hide from reporter? (MPs usually love appearing in the local paper). As for comments about it costing significant amounts to work in the West End of London and cost of restaurants. The Palace of Westminster has some outstanding bars and restaurants, and best of all they are TAX FREE! That's right he actually gets to pay less for food and refreshments than us but still feels we should chip in! Get him out!Well I'd run from the reporters because I dislike them, most politicians dislike news reporters because they are bringers of bad news. Surely we aren't going to kick MPs out over shopping bills now are we? This country is being made a fool over this expenses revelations, David Cameron keeps hooting and harping about bringing police in to investigate in the hope that he will regain trust personally and become the next PM, well I hope he dosen't succeed in becoming that. Again I call on the media to be quite and move on to another story unless of course we are all enjoying getting annoyed over all this
Michael Vincent
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4:42pm Sat 30 May 09
typhoon32 wrote:Wrong, wrong, wrong on so many counts. If David Amess is opening a school or church fete does he ever run? No he does not, ever. He is a PUBLIC servant. The media are there to help keep these people accountable. The Telegraph and papers like the Echo have done the public a great service by ensuring these people are held accountable by those who elect them for the first time ever. That is why Amess is running scared. Long may the media hold them to account. We as the public cannot.
charlie croker wrote: Good to see the Amess family and the "party" stalwarts posting here. So Amess has done nothing wrong then, that seems to be the approved response. He was entitled to the money. OK, please answer me this then, why if he has done nothing wrong, does he feel the need to run and hide from reporter? (MPs usually love appearing in the local paper). As for comments about it costing significant amounts to work in the West End of London and cost of restaurants. The Palace of Westminster has some outstanding bars and restaurants, and best of all they are TAX FREE! That's right he actually gets to pay less for food and refreshments than us but still feels we should chip in! Get him out!Well I'd run from the reporters because I dislike them, most politicians dislike news reporters because they are bringers of bad news. Surely we aren't going to kick MPs out over shopping bills now are we? This country is being made a fool over this expenses revelations, David Cameron keeps hooting and harping about bringing police in to investigate in the hope that he will regain trust personally and become the next PM, well I hope he dosen't succeed in becoming that. Again I call on the media to be quite and move on to another story unless of course we are all enjoying getting annoyed over all this
pony
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9:25am Sun 31 May 09
Less than £14 a day to feed a coward.
Dave_smith79
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8:18am Mon 1 Jun 09
From what I understand thay can claim on pretty much anything. I would not be surprised if holidays are included as international relations.
We the public have to be spend our hard earned on everything, food for work, clothing, travel and are paid no where near the same. If we tried the same as them we would be jailed for tax evasion, but they have managed to make rules for themselves. No wonder they don't want to quit easy and work/live in the real world.
The cheek to say everyone has fiddled expenses at work, makes the laugh. The difference is work for most people is not public sector, so when claiming we don't get carte blanche on what we can claim on. And if too much appears to be spent then we will be held accoutable.
mmmm?
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11:44am Mon 1 Jun 09
Dave_smith79
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2:49pm Mon 1 Jun 09
Which is wrong, but generaly expenses are scrutinised by the company, and if lunch cost £20 then questions would be asked.
Do you think £100 a week for lunch is reasonable. I pay less for a whole weeks worth of food.
Perhaps they should cut or change their diet (especialy with obesity increasing as we are told often by the government burdening the NHS)if they can't afford to dip in their own pocket like everyone else has to.
Nebs
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4:25pm Mon 1 Jun 09
I am starting to feel that this is being blown out of all proportion. Arrest the fraudsters and leave the rest to get on with their job.
Maybe all public servants, of whatever grade, should publish their expenses - I can't imagine Sir Humphrey Appleby would suffer a cheese sandwich for dinner if forced to work late. It's the same for MP's, I wouldn't expect them to stay in a £40/night Bed and Breakfast. They should have cleaners for their second homes, and gardeners - they work long hours and for the duration of their position I want them to spend as much time as is necessary to deal with affairs of state. If that means eating out to save time cooking and washing up then so be it.
If all the MP's only worked the same number of hours as Joe Public then nothing would get done. Maybe they should start to fight back, and start quoting EU working hours regulations when they walk out of parliament at 6pm, half way through a debate on Wednesday, as they've already done their hours for the week. For the job they do, and the responsibility they have, the pay is a disgrace. Thats not an excuse to fiddle expenses, but if this matter isn't resolved sensibly then nobody with the skills for the job is going to want to stand for parliament.
Nebs
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5:00pm Mon 1 Jun 09
Soozie wrote:Soozie,
And to add insult to injury to the taxpayer... http://www.telegraph .co.uk/news/newstopi cs/mps-expenses/5402 787/MPs-expenses-MPs -shamed-into-standin g-down-in-line-for-p ay-offs.html
This one is easy to remedy.
1. Change the law, as they are talking about doing, to allow the removal of an MP before a general election if a certain percentage of the electorate call for a by election and the MP is found to have done something materially wrong.
2. Make sure all the fraudsters are re-elected at the next general election.
3. Chuck them out the next day.
No dodgy MP's and no compensation for them.
mmmm?
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5:59pm Mon 1 Jun 09
revolution23
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12:00am Tue 2 Jun 09
And expenses - wow! Can you hae a great time. If my numeration included, a second home, plus the refurbishment of - then I decided to sell it and make a profit, I'd be onto a winner - Can't you see where this is going! Sorry, but us people are counting pennies out here in the real world, lots losing jobs, council tax payments at a premimum - £1000+ a year that's a joke - where's our money going - I know where David Amess's food bill plus James Durridge's housing bill - although he has a flat in London - we have to fund another one - give me strength - this lot are having a right laugh on us!
resident3
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12:22pm Tue 2 Jun 09
Dave_smith79
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4:46pm Tue 2 Jun 09
Soozie
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7:37am Wed 3 Jun 09
Dave I wouldn't count on it. If these MPs are brought up on any kind of fraud charge, or criminal charge their chances of landing a high end consultancy job are pretty slim.
Many compainies now do back ground checks (especially banks) and if you have any stain on your record, they won't touch you with a barge pole. It wasn't such a long time ago that you couldn't get a job in a bank if you had ever been overdrawn.
And with all the negative publicity right now, only a company who has a death sentence would take one of these creeps on.
Soozie says...
7:18am Thu 28 May 09
Creep - and coward.