Taxpayers’ money to be used to help to fund extensions on MPs' second homes

A new perk is to be given to MPs that will let them use taxpayers’ money to help to fund extensions on their second homes worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. The new rules, due to be announced in July, will enable MPs to re-mortgage their second homes and claim back interest payments. The loans can then be used to fund improvements on their houses.

The Commons Green Book rules allow MPs to claim for decoration and “necessary” repairs to make good wear and tear. Until now they could not claim for improvements that increase the value of a property. The changes to the rule book, revealed after a Freedom of Information request, were agreed in February by the members estimate committee.

MPs get cash perk for home extensions (Sunday Times, 21 May 2006)

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