Find local news in Kent

Home   Dartford   News   Article

DIY MP splashes more expenses cash on second home

10:21, 17 December 2009

Dr Howard Stoate, MP for Dartford
Dr Howard Stoate, MP for Dartford

Handy Howard Stoate has been splashing out more expenses cash on his second home.

Dartford's MP spent more than £16,000 kitting out his London pad between 2005 and 2008, as the Messenger revealed when details of MPs' expenses were first published in May.

But in 2008/09 the DIY dab hand was at it again, according to the latest set of receipts released, splashing out a further £1,500 on sprucing up his one-bedroom Kennington flat and handing taxpayers the bill.

The reimbursement claim was part of a £11,255 total submitted as Dr Stoate's second home allowance, which he handed back in the wake of the national expenses scandal.

The decorating doctor, who works at a GP surgery in Bexleyheath, bought items for his city bolthole ranging from a £26.98 safety helmet to a £224 replacement shower.

He even claimed for a £15 hairdryer from Currys in May, but Commons accounts chiefs refused the entry, scribbling "personal item" on his claim form.

His claims, which come under his Additional Costs Allowance for a second home, were on top of food bills of more than £200 per month and £100 per month cleaning costs - sums he has also since paid back.

Compared to previous splurges, Dr Stoate's claims in the latest financial year were modest.

Between 2005 and 2008 his renovation receipts averaged £5,000 per year and included £4,500 on two replacement doors and four windows, and another £560 on a 32in high-definition television.

His overall second homes allowance in 2008/09, including mortgage and utility bills, was down more than £6,000 on the previous year's figure of £17,883.

Dr Stoate, who is standing down as Dartford's MP at the next general election, has pledged to use none of the £24,222 second home allowance MPs are entitled to during this financial year.

His other expenses claims for 2008/09, including office and staffing costs, have not yet been published.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More