Mr Brian Binley: fifth report of session 2009-10 report and appendices, together with formal minutes

House of Commons papers 238 2009-10

Corporate Author:

Great Britain Parliament House of Commons Committee on Standards and Privileges

Author:

Sir Malcolm Rifkind (chairman)

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

The complaint against Mr Brian Binley, MP for Northampton South, was that he claimed against the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) for a property in Pimlico, London, which he rented from a company in which he and his wife have an interest. This rental was from February 2006 until April 2009. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) had approved his plans in November 2005, but the rules changed in 2006 and the DFA informed Mr Binley in March 2006 that it was no longer able to approve the proposed arrangements. He challenged this decision, and it was agreed in June 2006 that he could claim until the end of the 2006-07 financial year but would then have to make alternative arrangements. The Commissioner for Standards found that Mr Binley took no significant action until February 2008. After further discussion and appeals in 2008 and 2009, it was agreed that the House would continue to meet the costs of renting the flat until 30 April 2009. Mr Binley vacated it on 25 April 2009. The Commissioner found that Mr Binley had breached the rules from March 2007 until April 2009 because he did not act on the DFA's clear instructions in June 2006. The Committee agrees he has breached the rules, and must apologise unequivocally in writing and repay a sum of £1500. The fact that he made no personal financial gain, and that the DFA had failed to enforce its ruling of June 2006, are mitigating factors.

Extent	[2], 97p.	ISBN	9780215543134
Size	N/A	Price	£15.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	11 Jan 2010
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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