Mod Cons And Labour Saving Devices On MPs’ John Lewis List
YOU cannot help but notice that David Cameron’s kitchen is not too shabby.
On his Webcameron, the kitchen has all the mod cons – which might make a good name for Dave’s rebranded party. (Note to the Tory marketing team – call me.)
Very soon all MPs will be setting up a camera in their kitchens. News is that MPs are now allowed to claim expenses of up to £10,000 for a new kitchen.
And they can kit it out. There is an additional £2,000 allowance for furniture and £750 for a TV or stereo. The one proviso is that they should own a second home. Or, failing that, they should invent one.
It all part of the so-called “John Lewis list” used by Commons officials to list maximum amounts for items.
MPs can claim items up to £23,000 per year.
That list in full:
Air conditioning unit – £299.99
Bed – £1,000.00
Bedside cabinet – £100.00
Bookcase/shelf – £200.00
Bookcase/cabinet – £500.00
Carpet – £35.00 per square metre
Carpet fitting – £6.50 per square metre
Coffee maker/machine – £100.00
Coffee table – £250.00
Dining armchairs (each) – £150.00
Dining chairs (each) – £90.00
Dining table – £600.00
Dishwasher – £375.00
Drawer chest (five) – £500.00
Dressing table – £500.00
Dry cleaning – both personal and household [items] are allowable within reasonable limits
Food mixer – £200.00
Freestanding mirror – £300.00
Fridge/freezer combi – £550.00
Gas cooker – £650.00
Hi-fi/stereo – £750.00
Installation of new bathroom – £6,335.00
Installation of new kitchen – £10,000.00
Lamp table – £200.00
Nest of tables – £200.00
Recordable DVD – £270.00
Rugs (each) – £300.00
Shredder – £50.00
Sideboard – £795.00
Suite of furniture – £2,000.00
Television set – £750.00
Tumble dryer – £250.00
Underlay (basic) – £6.99 per square metre
Wardrobe – £700.00
Washer dryer – £500.00
Washing machine – £350.00
Wooden flooring/carpets – £35.00 per square metre
Workstation – £150.00
The list offers an insight into the tastes of our great and good. The modern shredder against the nest of tables.
Not Teas Maid; no electric blanket; no heated rollers. No iPod shuffle; no wind turbine; oddly, no webcam…
Posted: 13th, March 2008 | In: Money, Politicians Comments (6) | TrackBack | Permalink
