Outrage over reports MPs put energy bills on expenses

MPs have caused outrage after claiming £200,000 worth of taxpayers’ money in order to pay for their energy bills.

The Sunday Mirror has revealed that around 340 MPs have been using the parliamentary expenses system to cover the cost of heating their second homes.

Their analysis showed that 41 MPs submitted bills costing more than £1,000 and 78 others submitted claims for £500 in the 12 months up until March this year.

While these MPs have not actually broken any parliamentary rules by making the claims, the revelations have sparked outrage due to current concerns over the rising costs of electricity and gas.

One Labour MP who has not been claiming for his energy bills, told the Sunday Mirror: “Perhaps the MPs who have submitted the claims should start wearing thicker jumpers.”

“There will be people, including pensioners, who can’t afford to heat their homes and who will be furious to find out that MPs who can afford to pay them are putting in such high claims.”

“Government ministers are attacking Ed Miliband for proposing to freeze prices but they don’t have to worry about the cost because they can put claims in.”   

Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi claimed the most money and his bill for his estate in Warwickshire came to £5,822.27. Universities minister David Willetts claimed £2,596 and international development minister Alan Duncan claimed £2,750 for electricity and £1,250 for heating oil for his home in Leicestershire.  

Molly Kersey