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MPs' '200k energy bill expenses'

MPs have come under attack for claiming £200,000 of taxpayers' money to cover the cost of their energy bills. Some 340 MPs used the expenses system to pay for heating their second homes, according to the Sunday Mirror.

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MPs' heating expenses 'disgraceful'

A union leader said it was "disgraceful" that MPs were claiming expenses for heating their second homes while families were struggling to pay energy bills.

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of Unison, told the Sunday Mirror:

It's disgraceful that well-paid MPs should claim expenses for heating costs at the same time that thousands of families are struggling to pay to turn the oven on to cook dinner for their families.

These are the same hypocritical MPs who have failed to get a grip on soaring fuel and energy costs, rising food bills and pay freezes.

– Dave Prentis

Ministers 'claim thousands in energy expenses'

International Development Minister Alan Duncan claimed £2,750 for electricity bills and £1,250 in heating oil for his home in Rutland, Leicestershire, the Sunday Mirror reported.

Universities Minister David Willetts claimed £2,596, while Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi claimed £5,822, the paper said.

Alan Duncan was among the MPs who claimed expenses for energy bills. Credit: Geoff Caddick/PA Wire

Bills costing more than £1,000 were submitted by 41 MPs while 78 made claims for £500 in the 12 months up to March this year, the paper's analysis found.

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Energy expenses MPs 'should wear thicker jumpers'

A Labour MP said ministers found to have claimed thousands in expenses to heat their second homes should "perhaps wear thicker jumpers".

John Mann, who did not claim for his energy bills, told the Sunday Mirror:

Perhaps the MPs who have submitted the claims should start wearing thicker jumpers.

There will be people including pensioners who can't afford to heat their homes who will be furious to find out that MPs who can afford to pay them are putting in such high claims.

Government ministers are attacking Ed Miliband for proposing to freeze prices, but they don't have to worry about the cost because they can put the claims in.

– John Mann MP

David Cameron suggested earlier this month that people facing rising energy bills should consider "wrapping up warm" and wearing jumpers.

Report: MPs claim £200k expenses for energy bills

MPs have come under attack for claiming £200,000 of taxpayers' money to cover the cost of their energy bills.

Some 340 MPs, including Government ministers, have used the parliamentary expenses system to recoup the cost of heating their second homes, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Energy bills costing more than £1,000 were submitted by 41 MPs. Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi claimed the most with a bill totalling £5,822.27 to cover electricity and heating oil for his estate in Warwickshire.

The claims do not break any parliamentary rules but come at a time of heightened tensions over the spiralling cost of gas and electricity.

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