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Sir Nicholas Winterton
Anger over Sir Nick’s expenses claims
Chris Hudson6/ 2/2008
MAXONIANS appear to have reacted angrily following the storm over MPs’ expenses currently dogging Sir Nicholas Winterton MP and his wife Lady Ann who represents neighbouring Congleton.
It was revealed at the weekend both Sir Nick and his wife claimed rent over a six-year period from 2002 for a London flat, now worth £700,000.
But they had already bought the flat outright and put into a family trust to paying avoid inheritance tax.
The arrangement, which could save them around £280,000 in death duties, was agreed by the Commons’ Fees Office, but has met with a unanimous vote of no confidence from Sir Nick’s constituents who think it’s "one rule for them, and another for us".
Both young and old have spoken out against what they perceive as the unfairness of a situation in which many Maxonians struggle to get on the property ladder, and their MP has two homes, and has been using taxpayers’ money in such a way.
Macclesfield residents have branded their elected representative’s actions as "naughty", "scandalous" and "disgraceful".
Charlotte Mansfield, 26, of Church Street, Bollington, and Laura Malkin, 27, of Mill Road, Macclesfield, who both work at Cafe Nero said: "It’s disgraceful. It’s like claiming benefits when you’ve got a job. The money should go to saving St John’s in Bollington."
Joan Baddeley, 52, homeless, said: "It’s absolutely scandalous and out of order. My house has been repossessed after my husband died and I can’t get another one. I think politicians are overpaid, what about Sir Nick’s constituents? He’s obviously not bothered about us."
Wendy Smith, 43, landlady of the Swan With Two Necks on Chestergate, said: "Everyone else has to work for their money. My daughter has a baby and is in full-time employment and she can’t afford her mortgage. It‘s about time something was given back to the taxpayer. My mum had to pay inheritance tax after my dad died recently and she’s 76 – it’s one rule for them another for us."
Sharon Woodhouse, 47, who works in the Coffee Bean in the Grosvenor Centre, said: " I think it is very unfair. It’s money for nothing. It’s all right for them that have money, but for the rest of us we have to graft. My son can’t get a house so how can he start a family? There’s not a cat in hell’s chance for him and he’s one of Sir Nick’s constituents."
Jan Singleton, 52, of Appleby Close, said: "It’s a bit naughty really. It’s not right is it? I like Sir Nick because he helped my son to get incapacity benefit after he was on crutches for two years. The stress I went through trying to get incapacity benefit and he can do that – it’s not right. It’s allowed but they should be spending the money on other things."
Pat Brown, 61, and Dennis Brown, 64, of Chester Road, said: "They (politicians) find loop holes. He got caught. All these politicians will be investigated."
Martin Baker, 23, of Nixon Street, currently seeking employment, said: "Getting more money than you claim is part and parcel of politics. Hopefully it will change in the light of recent stories."
Nadia Grey, 21, of Buxton Road, said: "I’m currently looking for house with my sister and it will cost us a fortune. It wish we had the sort of money the Wintertons have for a second place. Instead we’ll be looking for a small house or flat in the centre of town."
A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "That stinks. I thought when Sir Nick first came in he did a lot for Macclesfield, but he has been riding on his success for the last ten years."
Most recent 2 of 19 user comments
Astonishing. If a benefit claimant 'exploits the loopholes', I somehow can't imagine these people saying, 'well, we all exploit loopholes...good luck to them!'
No one - well, certainly not The Express - has mentioned that Nick was one of the very few MPs to defend Derek Conway.
But my guess is that T Eastman would presumably defend his actions as well.
As far as 'the poll' is concerned, get a grip - how many people have voted? And who are they? There's no way I, for one, would vote in an internet poll. It has utterly no robustness whatsoever.
12/02/2008 at 21:33
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