Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority opens investigation into Danczuk expenses claims

Photo: Journeaux

Simon Danczuk

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, the expenses watchdog, has launched an investigation into the expenses claims of Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk.

In a statement it said: "Following receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has today opened an investigation into claims made under the MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses ('the Scheme') by Simon Danczuk MP. The expenditure under investigation relates to Accommodation Expenditure claimed under the Scheme."

Mr Danczuk has claimed thousands of pounds in 'dependants' expenses for the two eldest of his children despite not seeing them for years.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100615/simon-danczuk-claimed-thousands-in-dependants-expenses-for-children-he-hasnt-seen-in-years

IPSA states dependants are people for whom MPs have caring responsibilities. The cash is paid if “the dependant routinely resides at the rented accommodation”.

Mr Danczuk's eldest children, from his first marriage, do not rountinely reside with him and when Mr Danczuk sought to defend his expenses claim by suggesting he had been doing all he can "to get my eldest children to spend time with me and my other children in London", in an exclusive interview with Rochdale Online, Mr Danczuk's ex wife Sonia Rossington and his eldest son George refuted this. George saying: "He never contacts us or mum for us to see him."

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100650/danczuk-claims-refuted-by-ex-wife-and-son

In a subsequent comment to a national newspaper, Mr Danczuk said: “When I initiated the claim in 2011 all four children used to stay with me in Rochdale on a regular basis, and I would have assumed quite rightly that the same would have happened in London.”

Mrs Rossington, backed up by her son, said this was also untrue: She said: "In 2009 Simon asked for them to stay over stating he had renovated the basement at his terrace house on Stamford Street. However, as this was only accessible from the kitchen I asked him how they would escape in case of a fire in the kitchen. I never got a reply. The children have not stayed overnight in Rochdale with Simon since."

George said he had not seen his father for years before staying one night in London with him in 2012, he said: "Before that I hadn't seen him for years."

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100765/danczuk-expenses-scandal-ex-accuses-him-of-being-economical-with-the-truth

Mr Danczuk said: "My original claim was made properly and based on my honest interpretation of the ISPA regulations.

"I maintain that the existing rules are poorly worded and not fit for purpose when it comes to modern families like mine.

"Some of my Parliamentary colleagues have approached me in the last week to say they agree with me on this point and that they have interpreted the rules the same way.

"I’ll be meeting with the Chief Executive of IPSA about this and I will stress the need for the system to be more flexible to reflect the living arrangements of modern families.

"I am cooperating fully with the investigation and welcome the chance to get this matter cleared up."

Councillor Andy Kelly, Leader of the Rochdale Lib Dems, said: "People in our town deserve better. There are so many urgent issues that need tackling, for example child grooming, flooding and a raw deal from this Tory Government. Instead, what we have is an MP all over the news for the wrong reasons. Mr Danczuk has clearly claimed for expenses that he shouldn't have. Other former MPs have gone to prison for less. I hope that our MP can be open and honest during this process - he owes Rochdale that much."

Explaining how the investigation will progress, a spokesperson said: "I have spoken with Greater Manchester Police and they are content not to open a criminal investigation at this stage. This leaves me free to progress my investigation. IPSA and I are signatories to a memorandum of understanding with the police that requires me to inform the police if I have reason to suspect that a criminal offence may have been committed. I will adhere to this requirement should I develop such a suspicion.

"At the conclusion of the investigation and following the receipt of any representations from IPSA and the MP, I will draft a Statement of Provisional Findings. This will indicate whether I consider Mr Danczuk to have been paid an amount under the Scheme that should not have been allowed."

Mr Danczuk remains suspended from the Labour party for sending sex messages to a 17-year-old girl.