The number of Members of Parliament (MPs) with an interest in landlord insurance is the main talking point at Westminster today, as the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, becomes embroiled in a debate about disclosing private rental arrangements.
The story revolves around a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) asking for details of MP landlords. IPSA is better known as the expenses watchdog brought in to curb the excessive claims made by some MPs in the expenses scandal of just a few years ago; and it was about to release the names yesterday. However, a group of MPs approached the Speaker of the House saying they feared release of the details would compromise their security.
While many members said it was a cynical attempt to stop the public discovering how some MPs are still milking the system, others vehemently denied this was the case. In fact sources at the organisation said the data revealed that ‘some MPs’ were renting their second homes to each other for profit. Although the practice is not banned under the more stringent new expenses regime, publication of details showing MPs are finding a way round IPSA rules could prove acutely embarrassing for the MPs involved.
Speaker Bercow supported the MPs worried about details being disclosed and wrote to IPSA saying: “The processing of the data… could involve causing unwarranted damage and distress. I should be grateful if you and your colleagues would reconsider such a plan.” However, Labour MP John Mann said the FOI should be respected explaining: “If MPs are renting from past or current MPs it is right and proper the public is able to know that. There is nothing wrong with that, and there is nothing wrong in it being out there in the open. I have no problem in MPs renting it (a flat) out but the public is entitled to know that.”
It is thought a decision will be made quite soon with most MPs believing the details will be released to the public.