No doubt, when you have as many expense accounts as Brian 'Mr Toad' Coleman, it can be tricky to keep track of them all. Doubly so I'm sure, when you're in receipt of as many freebies as he is. I suspect therefore, that the apparent double-dipping I have been alerted to by a public spirited contibutor is simply a genuine mistake - caused by the genuine difficulties inherent in keeping track of so much freely available cash and so much free feasting.
First there's this, from the LFEPA register of gifts and hospitality:
Then, there's this, from Brian Coleman's expenses at LFEPA:
I feel sure that Mr Toad will wish to explain himself at the earliest opportunity. No doubt, if it is a simple mistake, he will croak a heartfelt apology. Perhaps, if that happens, we shall even witness a really extraordinary event - Mr Toad opening his wallet to pay the money back!
Do you think Brian was transported there and back in a cart? If so, it was all worthwhile, whatever the expense ...
ReplyDeleteMaybe he forgot to say thank you and had to nip back?
ReplyDeleteOn the Brent Cross blog there's a luvvie picture of the Great Leader and the Dear Leader.
ReplyDeleteBoth of whom Brian has served well.
http://brentcrosscoalition.blogspot.com/
So he didn't claim the money twice? He merely said he claimed it once, and had it given to him free once?
ReplyDeleteThere are two serious points here, though: why does the tax payer have to pay for people to attend such trivial events? Surely in these 'challenging' times, attendance at a cart marking ceremony is totally unnecessary and should not be paid for in any way by us?
ReplyDeleteSecondly, can anyone tell us if expenses paid by the LFEPA in such circumstances are paid without any evidence? Do they not have to submit proof of expense before being refunded?
As fraud is fraud and mistakes are mistakes, as if by magic, those expenses have now gone.
ReplyDeleteHave to query these
ReplyDelete14/07/2010
Taxi (invoiced) - Taxi journey from GLA, City Hall to Houses of Parliament - lunch with new MPs
£31.51
14/07/2010
Travel
Taxi (invoiced) - Taxi journey from Union St to St Pauls Cathedral EC4 - Mayor's Service
£31.51
Two identical amounts for two very short journeys
Mrs Angry raises a good point. For the last four or five years, the Worshipful Company of Carmen have very kindly invited me to their annual Cart Marking ceremony and luncheon. Unlike Cllr Coleman, however, I can say no to a free lunch. But the important point is that it was not a political event - it is purely ceremonial and a very nice social event. There is no justification whatsoever for any politician to claim travelling expenses for their attendance at this function.
ReplyDelete