MP’s expenses scandal
“People had been kept like mushrooms – keep them in the dark and feed them a diet of cr*p.”
Heather Brooke, journalist and campaigner.
It was Heather who, through the power of the Freedom of Information Act, was the pioneer in the ‘expenses scandal’ that unearthed just what our politicians were claiming for.
Through a series of Freedom of Information requests, Parliamentarians eventually disclosed a widespread misuse of allowances and expenses. In 2009, the Daily Telegraph ran the story that highlighted the sheer volume of claims by politicians. They ranged from a tin of dog food, to a lightbulb, to £90,000 spent on the upkeep of an MP’s country estate. And who can forget the infamous ornamental duck house?
The public anger in response to the story showed that privacy is not an absolute right – especially when public money is being spent.
It resulted in numerous resignations, sackings, de-selections, retirement announcements and even jail sentences, as well as public apologies. In all, 392 politicians were ordered to repay £1.3million of misclaimed expenses. It also led to the creation of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, ending the self-regulation of MPs’ pay and expenses.
The Freedom of Information Act was pivotal in making this information public, emphasising the importance of transparency and giving the public the confidence, rights and tools to access information. Under the law, the Information Commissioner’s Office has the power to order a public body to release information.