Mr. HannanTo ask the Lord President of the Council whether right hon. and hon. Members will be entitled to reclaim the standard community charge on a second home under the additional costs allowance.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Lord President of the Council what arrangements are being made to provide an allowance to members of Parliament for the payment of the standard community charge on their second homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe additional cost allowance covers expenses necessarily incurred by hon. Members in maintaining a second home required for the performance of their parliamentary duties. From April 1990, the standard community charge will be one of the costs which may be incurred in maintaining a second home. In cases where there is a liability for a standard charge hon. Members will therefore be able to claim reimbursement in circumstances where they would previously have claimed for rates. Hon. Members will still pay the personal community charge at their main residence and there is no question of reimbursing this. The Fees Office will be writing to all hon. Members shortly to explain these arrangements In detail.