Privacy policy & terms of use | Revised:
4 February, 2010 | Access problems: webmaster
Site promoted by Ralph Raynor on behalf of:
The Labour Party, of 4 Popple Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 3TG
My response to the Legg Review
When the Legg Review of MP’s Past Additional Cost Allowance Payments for the period 2004 to 2009 was announced I had already repaid £32,976 in security costs. I had also decided on the basis of the feedback from my constituents that I would repay whatever the Review found to be appropriate.
That said, when Sir Thomas first wrote to me with his findings, the figures he gave contained a significant number of errors. I sent him a detailed statement of the correct figures for the full five year period. On the basis of these he reduced his initial figure significantly and asked me to repay £9,482 in addition to the £32,976 I had already paid.
This was made up of £1,800 for security costs; £4,454 for telephone costs; £2,813 for household insurance; £194 for pest control and £221 for boiler insurance.
I have repaid the total amount in full and am pleased that this matter has now been resolved. I claimed these amounts in good faith in accordance with the rules at the time. But as an independent review has now shown these to be vague and deeply flawed, I feel it is only right to repay them.
This has been a sad and sorry episode in Britain’s political life which I deeply regret.
Advice and assistance
My caseworkers and I deal with numerous problems raised by constituents, covering a wide range of issues. As your MP sometimes I can help, sometimes I cannot. Please read the 'How I can help' pages, and please contact me with your concern.
> Advice > How I can help > Surgery hours > Contact me
> Visiting Parliament > Our constituency > Caseload stats
News, events and engagements
Keep the heating on during a cold snap
11 January 2010
Barbara urges families and the most vulnerable in Stevenage not to worry about turning up the heat this winter and to apply for the Government's Cold Weather Payments. This winter alone, £200 million in payments has been distributed amongst communities most in need, with just over £70 million of this over the cold New Year's weekend.
Barbara urges residents to sign up to new boiler scheme
11 January 2010
Barbara has urged local people in Stevenage to take advantage of the Labour Government's boiler scrappage scheme to get a new boiler during the cold snap. Up to 125,000 households in England with working "G-rated" boilers can now apply for a voucher which will entitle them to £400 off the price of a new, modern "A rated" boiler or a renewable heating system
Planning Permission for Stevenage West
23 December 2009
Barbara has welcomed the news that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has issued his final decision and granted outline planning permission for development on land west of the A1 (M) at Stevenage.
Barbara welcomes support in Pre-Budget Report
9 December 2009
Barbara has welcomed plans outlined in the Pre-Budget Report to increase financial support for pensioners, suspend the planned increase in corporation tax for small businesses, and bring forward the offer of a job, training or a work placement to every 18 to 24 year old who has been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for six months.
> See more Parliamentary news and earlier press releases
> Latest column > All articles & columns > Subscribe to my e-news
More information
How can I help you? There are many things that I can do as your MP, and some that I can not. Learn more here ...
Please contact me with your queries or concerns, or make an appointment to see me. > more
If you would like to receive reports from me, as e-mail, please join my mailing list. > more
