Ministers used MP’s husband for tax tips

FOREIGN Secretary David ­Miliband sought professional advice on his tax affairs from a fellow MP’s husband and claimed the money on expenses, it was alleged last night.

ADVIVCE FOREIGN David Miliband allegedly got tax advice and claimed the money on expenses ADVIVCE: FOREIGN David ­Miliband allegedly got tax advice and claimed the money on expenses

He was said to be one of five ­ministers who employed Dennis Bates, the husband of Sheffield Heeley Labour MP, ­­­ Meg Munn and charged the taxpayer for it.

It was reported that Mr Bates was paid more than £5,000 in parliamentary expenses.

Along with Mr Miliband, foreign office minister Gillian Merron, local government minister John Healey, schools minister Jim Knight and Angela Smith, a former local government minister, were said to have consulted him.

Mr Miliband was said to be travelling and unavailable for comment last night.

The four other MPs issued a joint statement, saying Mr Bates, a tax specialist, was “eminently qualified” to make sure MPs were meeting their tax liabilities.

They added: “The Green Book, which sets out the rules and advice on behalf of the Parliamentary authorities states specifically that professional advice, for example on tax and legal matters, is an allowable expense.”

Mr Bates charged each minister £345 in 2006-07. Mr Healey claimed half the fee.

Last week Ms Munn published her expenses claims on her website, but blacked out the section which disclosed she paid her husband for tax advice from her expenses.

In other disclosures it was reported that a third of the Tory shadow Cabinet claimed for “office rent” which was paid to their local constituency associations.

Alan Duncan, shadow leader of the Commons, allegedly claimed more than £40,000 over the past four years. MPs could face questions over whether they are effectively subsidising their local parties.

It was also said that the brother of Tory MP Julie Kirkbride, bought £1,000 worth of electrical items using the MP’s office expense account. Last night, the MP insisted that the items were for her professional use.

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