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HomeUKMPs asked to repay expenses-claimed driving fines

MPs asked to repay expenses-claimed driving fines

Four MPs must return hundreds of pounds in driving penalties reported on expense reports.

Amanda Solloway, a government minister, contested an £80 fixed penalty issued by Transport for London in 2020.

Simon Hoare, Bim Afolami, and Dave Doogan of the SNP also made similar arguments.

Some MPs wrongly received penalties, although at least one returned the money.

According to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’s (IPSA) expenses register, Ms. Solloway, a representative for Derby North and minister of energy, claimed a fixed penalty notice issued on 2 July 2020.

MPs asked to repay expenses-claimed driving fines

Mr. Doogan, the SNP representative for Angus, requested a £160 punishment in January of 2022.

Mr. Hoare, MP for North Dorset, claimed four times for £80 fines issued in November 2019, while Mr. Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, claimed twice for £80 fines in December 2021.

The four instances were uncovered initially by an investigation conducted by the Independent.

Mr. Afolami stated in a statement, “[It was] completely accidental.” As soon as I became aware of it, I repaid every penny.”

The commission, which is also responsible for determining MPs’ salaries independently of the legislature, stated that it has modified its expense procedure to ensure that future claims will not be paid.

“In some circumstances, ISPA’s checks failed to identify these claims, and some of them were paid. We will contact legislators and request repayment, if necessary,” a spokesperson said.

“We have modified our procedures to ensure that future claims of this nature are not paid, and we will remind MPs of the scheme’s rules.”

The spokesman added that MPs from outside London who drive into central London for business can claim the congestion charge.

This does not include expense claims for congestion charge fines.

Days earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declined to examine Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s traffic offence handling.

Last year, while serving as attorney general, Ms. Braverman was caught speeding and sought assistance in arranging a private course to avoid points on her license. Later, she agreed to a fine and points.

IPSA was established in 2009 in response to the MP expenses scandal.

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