House of Lords embroiled in fresh expenses scandal after peers claim £400k for ‘doing nothing’
Group of 16 peers found to have claimed £400,000 despite not asking a question, sitting on a committee or even speaking in the chamber
PEERS have been slammed for claiming £400,000 in expenses last year — despite doing “nothing”.
Sixteen members of the 798-strong House of Lords charged the taxpayer an eye-watering £399,137 without asking a question, speaking in the chamber or sitting on a committee.
Labour’s Lord Kirkhill pocketed the most at £43,896 followed by Baroness Adams on £41,287, the probe found.
Alexandra Runswick of campaign group Unlock Democracy said: “We need fundamental reform so the second chamber is accountable to the people”.
It comes after an earlier investigation found one in seven peers has not spoken on the floor of the House in the last year.
The 115 members still racked up an expense bill of £1.3million.
There is no suggestion any of the peers broke rules or the law and they are not required to speak to claim their maximum £300-a-day allowance.
A House of Lords spokesman said: “Members can claim £300 or £150 for every day they attend the House and undertake parliamentary work.
“Apart from travel costs, this is the only payment peers receive.”
They added that one of members’ principle duties is taking part in votes.
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