Kelly's £72,000 expenses claims are queried
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ruth Kelly, the Education Secretary, was facing questions last night about a £72,000 expenses claim on her second home.
Ms Kelly has claimed £72,000 on her home over the past four years. But mortgage payments should have totalled only around £20,000 during that time.
Greg Hands, the Tory MP for Hammersmith and Fulham, asked what the cash was spent on: "There should be a full investigation into this apparent black hole - £72,000 over four years seems like a lot of money to claim from the taxpayer when there is such as a small mortgage."
When she bought the four-bedroom detached house in 2001 the minister borrowed £101,148. Interest payments for that sum should total around £5,000 a year. But by the end of next year, Ms Kelly could have claimed the entire £109,000 she paid for the house, according to the Mail on Sunday. Ms Kelly also has a home in London east end where she lives with her husband and four young children.
The Department for Education and Skills said the money claimed was "in strict accordance with rules set out by the Fees office".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments