SPCB Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance Statement

090/2006 | 24 November 2006 

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said:

"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) was made aware on Thursday 23 November of the details surrounding Nicol Stephen MSP’s allowances claim and met immediately.

"The SPCB found that the member had failed to follow the guidelines for the scheme by having a joint mortgage in place post 2001. At this point, the guidance was clear that Members were entitled to reimbursement of interest if the mortgage arrangement was in their name only.

"The SPCB considered a detailed Report on the case and noted that there was no financial advantage to Mr Stephen as the amount of his claim was exactly the same whether the mortgage arrangement was in his name only or joint names. Therefore, there was no additional cost to the public purse.

"The SPCB accepted that the claim had been made in error and was satisfied that the Member had not made an improper use of allowances. The SPCB also noted Mr Stephen’s undertaking to take corrective action immediately.

"In the interests of transparency and having regard to the public interest in this matter, the SPCB decided that the Report and the supporting documents should be made public immediately.

"The SPCB concluded that this breach served as a reminder to all Members to ensure they are alert to every detail of the allowances scheme and the handbook issued to them as guidance.”

SPCB Report on the Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance (34KB pdf)

Annex to SPCB Report and accompanying documents (5MB pdf)

For further information, the Scottish Parliament media contact is:

Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265
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email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

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