Thaindian News

London, Apr 7 (ANI): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has claimed over 17,000 pounds in second-home expenses under the MPs expenses system despite moving into a grace-and-favour apartment in Downing Street after becoming Prime Minister.

Brown changed the definition of his “main home” after moving into Number 10, a decision that allowed him to continue benefiting from generous MPs expenses system.

The Prime Minister is now under pressure from Conservative leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg to surrender the generous perk, The Telegraph reports.

It has also emerged that Housing Minister Margaret Beckett had previously benefited from claiming second-home expenses despite living in a grace-and-favour apartment.

Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, also currently benefits from the use of three homes funded by the taxpayer while renting out his London property. Geoff Hoon also profited from a similar arrangement during his time as Defence Secretary.

None of these ministers have broken Parliamentary rules, although they have been accused of cashing in at taxpayers’ expense.

During his time as Chancellor, Brown claimed that his home in Scotland was his main residence and claimed expenses for a London flat. During this period, he was entitled to a grace-and-favour property but chose not to use it.

In 2006, as he was moving into Downing Street, he switched his main home declaration to his London residence.

This allowed him to claim expenses on his Scottish home. In early 2007, Brown transferred his London flat to his wife’s name and she took out a mortgage on the property. (ANI)