Many thanks to VB reader ‘Flat Broke’ for covering this news, which we haven’t had time to look at this week. Ed
Island MP Andrew Turner has moved out of a flat he owns in London into rented accommodation to take advantage of changes in parliamentary rules.
He has let his flat to a tenant and the costs of his new rented home is paid for by taxpayers. Mr Turner said he was entitled to make the changes under new rules introduced following last year’s MPs’ expenses scandal.
Previously, MPs could claim for mortgage interest repayments but that arrangement ends in two years’ time.
Handful of properties
It means he and his partner, Carole Dennett, now own the London flat, a home in Newport and a flat rented to a tenant in Cowes in addition to living in the rented flat during the week. It is understood the couple now own five or six homes between them.
Mr Turner told the County Press: “During the election, many people made it clear they did not want me to claim expenses for a mortgage or other costs relating to any property I own.
“So, although I could continue to claim mortgage costs for another two years under transitional arrangements, I gave a commitment to move to the new expenses scheme as soon as possible and I have done that.”
He added that in the current economic climate, it would have been difficult to sell the flat in London and, after it had been empty for some months, it was rented out.
According to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Mr Turner claims £1,447 a month for rent and £69.33 for service charges. He also claimed for ‘moving in’ charges such as £125 for a check-in compilation fee and £176.25 for a registration fee.
