With Tony McNulty and Dolores Umbridge’s husband both being caught with their hands in the cookie jar, is there any good reason why 2nd homes allowances shouldn’t just be abolished and MPs put up in serviced apartments like most people who travel on business and stay away from home for long periods? A one bed apartment with a separate office would do for single MPs, and a bigger place would be OK for people with families. No need for John Lewis lists: the furnishings would be supplied by the company running the apartments. I’ve stayed in one myself and found it to be quite comfortable and secure. It was a studio apartment and went for about £700/week but they had bigger places that were more expensive. A purpose built block for MPs could include things like a library and sports facilities, as well as extra security if needed.
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Because:
(a) it would probably cost more.
(b) I don’t know if you’ve tried living somewhere that’s not a home 4 or 5 nights a week for months at a time; I have, and it’s horrid. And remember, in session, MPs work most of the time in London, not just occasional trips. And MPs serve for at least 4/5 years, often many many more. Do you fancy living out of a suitcase 9 months of the year for half your life?
(c) a block of MP’s apartments would be a complete nightmare for the police and MI5.
Because:
(a) it would probably cost more.
(b) I don’t know if you’ve tried living somewhere that’s not a home 4 or 5 nights a week for months at a time; I have, and it’s horrid. And remember, in session, MPs work most of the time in London, not just occasional trips. And MPs serve for at least 4/5 years, often many many more. Do you fancy living out of a suitcase 9 months of the year for half your life?
(c) a block of MP’s apartments would be a complete nightmare for the police and MI5.