The expenses scandal was a horrific PR blow to the government and it has been dragged out by three remaining MPs who refuse to pay back their false claims. They first attempted to use parliamentary immunity, which failed, and now they are now facing court. They plan to use legal aid paid for by the tax payer to defend themselves, a move that was condemned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown who declared they will have to pay back the costs.

Brown was accused of making the move in a bid to be seen to take a stance against fraudulent expenses and dishonest politicians in the lead up to the general election. However he may not have the power as legal experts have commented that the government may not have the ability to withhold legal aid which is provided by the state.

Through a series of false mortgage applications, rent claims and service invoices the three MPs reportedly stole over 60,000. But this is a fraction of the cost of preparing their defence which is likely to run into six figures at an optimistic estimate. This cost could spiral however if the MPs manage to have the case thrown to the Supreme Court.

Jack Straw, Justice Secretary said the government was now introducing reforms to implicate means-tested legal aid although it would not be implemented in time for the MPs cases. For this case, Brown argued that the law has changed and although these changes will not take affect until June, it is just cause for the MPs to pay back the money.

Scotland Yard claim the investigation has so far cost them over 500,000 and the overall cost of the case has been estimated to surpass 3million. The MPs will begin trials on May 27th at Southwark Crown Court in London where a spokesman has confirmed that the MPs were granted an application for legal aid. Using the legal aid, the MPs have hired high priced lawyers costing hundreds of pounds an hour but if found guilty, they could face up to seven years in prison for stealing taxpayer’s money.

If you are looking to claim back PPI you could be eligible for a large sum, most people don’t realise they are eligible for a loan protection claim

Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • •

Filed under: Law

Print This Post Print This Post

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!