Tax affairs of 27 MPs investigated
Tax affairs of 27 MPs are being investigated in wake of expense scandal
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By Lewis Bazley. |  |
Saturday, 17, Oct 2009 08:12
By Richard James.
The tax affairs of 27 MPs are being investigated in the wake of the expense scandal, it has been revealed.
HM Revenue and Customs said it would not be revealing details on the members of parliament being investigated or provide information on exactly what was being looked at.
The department's head, Dave Hartnett, warned MPs back in July they would come under greater scrutiny following the public's outrage over their expenses.
The Daily Telegraph suggests any MP found to have claimed for non-essential items could face a bill of 40 per cent of its value plus interest and potentially a fine.
Some MPs' failure to pay capital gains tax on the sale of properties bought using second homes allowance has also caused considerable controversy.
Commenting on the news 27 MPs were being investigated, an HMRC spokeswoman told Sky News: "Inquiries are an integral part of HMRC's work ensuring everyone pays the right tax.
"An inquiry does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. Most inquiries are closed quickly."
Westminster has been up in arms since Sir Thomas Legg completed his audit and requested numerous MPs pay back further expenses claims.
Some members of parliament have suggested the requests are unfair and have even threatened legal action.