Menu
13/05/2009
Lady Sylvia Repays Westminster Expenses
North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon has revealed she has paid back more than £2,700 in Parliamentary expenses.
She said that she 'over-claimed' for rent on a London flat between 2005 and 2006.
The Ulster Unionist MP said she only discovered the error when she contacted the Fees Office on Monday.
Lady Sylvia, widow of former RUC boss, Sir Jack Hermon, who died last November after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease, had believed all her claims were above board.
She said she was well aware of the public mood and shared the very real sense of outrage over revelations in recent days about "the most outrageous expenses claims by MPs".
She said when she was elected in 2001 she rented a small one-bedroom flat about 20 minutes walk from the House of Commons, three years later swapping it for another slightly nearer.
But when her husband was admitted to hospital early last year she ended the tenancy and since then had no second home, choosing instead to spend as much time with Sir Jack as possible and to stay occasionally in a hotel when there was a crucial late night vote.
Therefore her only claims were rent, council tax, telephone and electricity for the flats, she said.
The BBC has today reported that she phoned the Fees Office only to discover it had overpaid for two months rent between 2005-6.
"Even though I immediately reimbursed the House of Commons with the £2,730, I remain profoundly upset and embarrassed.
"I'm also very angry that the Fees Office did not draw my attention to my mistakes at the time, especially as I had on various occasions specifically written on claim forms that I wanted them to be checked," she said.
See: Minister To Repay £41k Home Expenses Claim
(BMcC/JM)
She said that she 'over-claimed' for rent on a London flat between 2005 and 2006.
The Ulster Unionist MP said she only discovered the error when she contacted the Fees Office on Monday.
Lady Sylvia, widow of former RUC boss, Sir Jack Hermon, who died last November after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease, had believed all her claims were above board.
She said she was well aware of the public mood and shared the very real sense of outrage over revelations in recent days about "the most outrageous expenses claims by MPs".
She said when she was elected in 2001 she rented a small one-bedroom flat about 20 minutes walk from the House of Commons, three years later swapping it for another slightly nearer.
But when her husband was admitted to hospital early last year she ended the tenancy and since then had no second home, choosing instead to spend as much time with Sir Jack as possible and to stay occasionally in a hotel when there was a crucial late night vote.
Therefore her only claims were rent, council tax, telephone and electricity for the flats, she said.
The BBC has today reported that she phoned the Fees Office only to discover it had overpaid for two months rent between 2005-6.
"Even though I immediately reimbursed the House of Commons with the £2,730, I remain profoundly upset and embarrassed.
"I'm also very angry that the Fees Office did not draw my attention to my mistakes at the time, especially as I had on various occasions specifically written on claim forms that I wanted them to be checked," she said.
See: Minister To Repay £41k Home Expenses Claim
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
21 February 2023
Housing Executive Announces 7% Rent Increase
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced a 7% rent increase from 04 April, 2023. This equates to an average increase of £4.86 per week and will bring the average rent for a Housing Executive home to £74.
Housing Executive Announces 7% Rent Increase
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced a 7% rent increase from 04 April, 2023. This equates to an average increase of £4.86 per week and will bring the average rent for a Housing Executive home to £74.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
09 August 2023
DfC Launches Consultation On Funding For New Supply Of Affordable Homes
The Department for Communities (DfC) is seeking views on the delivery of new funding to introduce a new supply of Intermediate Rent homes. Growing the supply of more affordable, better quality homes for rent with longer-term tenancies is a key commitment for the Department for Communities.
DfC Launches Consultation On Funding For New Supply Of Affordable Homes
The Department for Communities (DfC) is seeking views on the delivery of new funding to introduce a new supply of Intermediate Rent homes. Growing the supply of more affordable, better quality homes for rent with longer-term tenancies is a key commitment for the Department for Communities.
27 October 2021
Green Party Proposes Rent Control Scheme For Belfast
The Green Party NI has proposed the introduction of a rent control scheme in Belfast, urging Belfast City Council to support the motion. The party's Deputy Leader, Cllr Mal O'Hara, who introduced the motion, said: "We are currently in a cost of living crisis and a housing crisis, yet already unaffordable rents continue to rise.
Green Party Proposes Rent Control Scheme For Belfast
The Green Party NI has proposed the introduction of a rent control scheme in Belfast, urging Belfast City Council to support the motion. The party's Deputy Leader, Cllr Mal O'Hara, who introduced the motion, said: "We are currently in a cost of living crisis and a housing crisis, yet already unaffordable rents continue to rise.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
