The “John Lewis” List

The Telegraph’s Three Line Whip blog spotted the BBC’s noting of the ‘John Lewis List’ – Parliament’s Additional Costs Allowance Claims Guide, “used by House of Commons officials to determine whether an expenditure claim submitted by an MP is reasonable.” You can see which MPs have utilised this guide, but not what they claimed for, via TheyWorkForYou [click on an MP’s name then ‘Expenses’] Adds According to the BBC

Detailed expenses claims of all MPs dating back to 2004 look set to be published, the BBC has learned.

The “John Lewis List”

MPs can claim items up to £23,000 per year.

Air conditioning unit – £299.99
Bed – £1,000.00
Bedside cabinet – £100.00
Bookcase/shelf – £200.00
Bookcase/cabinet – £500.00
Carpet – £35.00 per square metre
Carpet fitting – £6.50 per square metre
Coffee maker/machine – £100.00
Coffee table – £250.00
Dining armchairs (each) – £150.00
Dining chairs (each) – £90.00
Dining table – £600.00
Dishwasher – £375.00
Drawer chest (five) – £500.00
Dressing table – £500.00
Dry cleaning – both personal and household [items] are allowable within reasonable limits
Food mixer – £200.00
Freestanding mirror – £300.00
Fridge/freezer combi – £550.00
Gas cooker – £650.00
Hi-fi/stereo – £750.00
Installation of new bathroom – £6,335.00
Installation of new kitchen – £10,000.00
Lamp table – £200.00
Nest of tables – £200.00
Recordable DVD – £270.00
Rugs (each) – £300.00
Shredder – £50.00
Sideboard – £795.00
Suite of furniture – £2,000.00
Television set – £750.00
Tumble dryer – £250.00
Underlay (basic) – £6.99 per square metre
Wardrobe – £700.00
Washer dryer – £500.00
Washing machine – £350.00
Wooden flooring/carpets – £35.00 per square metre
Workstation – £150.00

Personal items not allowed – for example: hairdryers or hairstylers, shavers, toothbrushes, toiletries and bathrobes.
Any form of payment protection or illness cover is not claimable from ACA in relation to mortgage payments.
In order for a member to claim the mortgage interest against his ACA home, his/her name must appear on the mortgage.
Garden furniture such as patio sets, loungers and barbecues are not allowed.
Basic garden maintenance is allowed, but plants, shrubs, flowers, hanging baskets or other decorations etc are not.

Pete Baker