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Robinson gives back £755 for laptop bag, briefcase
Saturday, 20 June 2009
enlargePeter Robinson has paid back £755 in parliamentary expenses claimed for a briefcase and computer case, it has emerged.
The DUP said he had bought “quality” items because they would be more robust and offer better value for money.
Mr Robinson said he had asked to be reimbursed only for the amount that would be paid for “standard” products.
However, the Commons authorities paid him the full amount and he has now paid back the whole claim.
A DUP spokesman said: “Peter was not required to make any repayment.
“He voluntarily decided to make the payment to the Fees Office, in spite of the fact that it was in relation to a legitimate claim which had been approved.”
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has paid back £1,124 to cover an overpaid electricity bill on a flat in London.
“I've received repayment of monies that I had previously claimed for so I've passed that repayment on to the Fees Office and the taxpayer,” he said.
In a statement the SDLP said: “In respect of the concerns over ‘redactions' or blackened-out details in the published expense forms, it should be made clear that Mr Durkan did not seek any of these.”
The party said he also repaid a £200 ‘cashback' offer he received from his mobile phone provider.
As revealed by the Belfast Telegraph last month, DUP MP David Simpson has returned £1,482, which relates to his second home in London.
Mr Simpson's office said the repayment was due to a mistake by the Commons in paying him twice for a month's mortgage interest relief payment.
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Seems that a bit of a trend developing here, as long as you give it back and/or claim "your office" made a mistake it's ok.
How would that play out for members of the great unwashed that are caught lifting a tin of beans in Spar. They usually end up with a criminal record.
Posted by patrick | 21.06.09, 01:35 GMT
And Peter thinks that by paying back a mere £755 all will be forgotten? WAKE UP PETER
Posted by Stuart | 21.06.09, 01:28 GMT
Crooks. Did Mark Durkan apply for the electricity bill twice, he does not make this clear.
Posted by eddie belfast | 20.06.09, 15:26 GMT
When I was working I had to buy things like computers ,pens etc., out of my salary. It appears these people are expecting the public to pay all of their expenditures in order that they may stash away their easy earned salaries. The worst items being claimed for are the poppy wreaths. Surely this shows without doubt the insincerity of those that did! Cannot spend a few pounds of their own money. Wake up people and start asking what they intend to do about education,employment,taxes,and safety.oos
Posted by RMS | 20.06.09, 14:41 GMT
i am not a church going person although i do pay to god every day in my own way ,i have often been critical of people who in business will do what is necessary by what ever means to obtain the material things in life,,, and then on sunday will eat the alter rails i am sure some of the mlas when they attend church will be treated as celebrities ,shaking hands with the converted,,maybe they should pause for a moment and examine their conscience ,and ask the question have i been true and honest
Posted by HG | 20.06.09, 09:20 GMT