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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » Joint statement on alleged misuse of parliamentary expenses

Joint statement on alleged misuse of parliamentary expenses

05/06/2009

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) today issued the following statement relating to allegations of misuse of parliamentary expenses.

Over the past two weeks, the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel has met on a number of occasions and has considered a large number of allegations about the alleged abuse of expense claims in both the Lords and the Commons and whether any criminal investigations should be launched.

Their initial work has been to gain a full understanding of the procedures for expense claims through engagement with the Resources Department of the House of Commons and the Finance Department of the House of Lords (each colloquially known as the Fees Office).

The panel's view is that, unless evidence is available which shows individuals deliberately misled the fees office, it is highly unlikely that there could be a successful prosecution.  Many of those complained about appear to have provided accurate information and therefore the MPS will not pursue a criminal investigation into allegations against them.

It is for the Commons and the Lords authorities to decide whether they wish to consider these cases under their internal processes and should information come to light that indicates that either Fees Office has been deliberately misled, then they will be able to make a referral back to the MPS for further consideration.

However, there are a small number of allegations where questions remain about the probity of the claims which will require further information before any decisions regarding investigations could be made.  We are therefore continuing to liaise with Parliamentary Authorities in the two Houses over the provision of this additional information so the assessment panel can make informed decisions on these remaining allegations.

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