Pensions minister under investigation for alleged expenses breaches

Pensions minister Paul Maynard is under investigation by the parliamentary expenses watchdog, IPSA. Opposition parties have called for the Conservative whip to be suspended while the allegations are examined.

Maynard has claimed back money from the public purse for Conservative party business, the Times alleged. Breaches include spending taxpayers’ money on printing and related costs, totalling £106,000 – a record for a Tory minister.

Maynard has also claimed rent for an office which unofficially serves as his local party headquarters, despite IPSA rules stating that IPSA-funded offices must just be used for constituency work.

After the expenses scandal, principles were established whereby, while MPs are allowed to claim expenses they incurred while representing their constituents, they are forbidden from claiming back funds which were spent on political campaigns.

Maynard told the Times: “I have financial agreements in place with IPSA over the ad-hoc use of my constituency office by the local Conservative association. I believe that these arrangements are appropriate, but will be seeking clarification from IPSA to ensure this is the case. I will, of course, abide by any findings they make and ensure that any payments deemed necessary can be made promptly”.

IPSA told the Times: ““In light of the additional information provided by The Sunday Times, we will be referring this to the compliance officer for IPSA”.

IPSA’s compliance officer will investigate the alleged breach. If a breach is found to have happened, IPSA can seek repayment, refer an MP to the standards watchdog, or report them to the police.