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1. To whom it may concern,

   As a life-long labour voter I would be interested to hear your views on the latest ’scandal’ regarding MP’s expenses for second homes.

   Much has been made of the fact that MP’s need to have a home in London as well as their constituency, therefore claiming expenses for a second home is a ‘legitimate’ part of the job. But is it fair? And if it is, why do some MP’s object to it being made public?

   I would like to point out that many people have to work away from home to earn a decent living, (often much less than an MPs salary), and therefore have to pay to live somewhere else during the week. Although, some expenses can be offset against tax, ordinary people have to fund their ’second home’ themselves.

   My husband worked away from home some years ago, and still does so from time to time. The only ’second home’ he can afford is either a caravan or a budget B&B.

   What really annoys me is the fact that although I earn less than £6,000 per year, I am contributing towards these ridiculous expenses.

   I believe MP’s receive around £60,000+ per annum, which makes a mockery of my meagre wage from Blackpool Borough Council. I think we are in line for a 2.4% rise this year, which will mean an extra £2.49 a week for me. Taking into consideration the rises in council tax, water rates and gas, electric and diesel, I will actually be worse off. If only I could claim my expenses.

   I work in a local high school, formatting work for visually impaired children - a worthwhile job I’m sure you would agree, but quite obviously not as worthwhile as an MP’s.

   I choose to work part-time because my youngest child is only 9 and my job enables me to take him to and from school and have the school holidays with him. My husband is self-employed and works full time (when he has enough work).

   We have three children, two of whom are grown-up and work full-time and pay their taxes. I, like many other people are fed up at what we feel is an unfair system.

   I look forward to your reply on this matter, and also I would be interested to see if you are willing to make public any expenses that you claim for your second home.

   Yours faithfully,

   Julie Spence

   71 St Albans Road

   Blackpool

   FY1 4EG

   Comment by JULIE SPENCE — 5 Apr 2008 on 12:01 am | Link

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