Bucks MP apologises over dog food expenses claim (From Bucks Free Press)

Bucks MP apologises over dog food expenses claim

11:52am Monday 11th May 2009 in Search By Oliver Evans

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE MP Cheryl Gillan today apologised for claiming dog food on expenses.

The Chesham and Amersham MP pledged to repay £4.47 for two 39p cans of Ceaser chicken and turkey meat and a £3.69 bag of lams senior chicken dry meal for older dogs.

Members of Parliament are only allowed to claim expenses for items essential for their work as a politician.

Mrs Gillan said: “I mistakenly submitted a food bill which contained items for which I did not intend to claim back. I am sorry for this and will immediately repay the amount."

In April 2008 Mrs Gillan also claimed back a £72.27 gas bill when her account was £26.72 in credit, The Daily Telegraph said today.

The following month the Conservative MP claimed £66.15 when her account was £64.35 in credit. The fees office reduced the payment when given the claims.

In a statement from Conservative central office Mrs Gillan explained: “I pay my gas bill by direct debit and claim for the gas used when the bills arrive. “In one year two gas bills - actually sent by the gas company - contained duplicate information for a period of three months.

“This was identified by the fees office so the payment to me was reduced accordingly.”

The MP also claimed £305.50 to “cure noise problems” with the boiler in her London home, paid for out of the Additional Costs Allowance.

This is worth up to £24,222 a year and is for costs incurred for MPs staying away from their main home.

She said: “The boiler broke down in the flat which I use exclusively for overnight stays when I am working on parliamentary business.

“In order for me to have central heating and hot water a plumber repaired the boiler. This is within the rules.”