A Labour MP has sparked outrage after charging £900 of taxpayer money to cover “pet rent” for her dog.
Taiwo Owatemi, the MP for Coventry North West and a government whip, claimed the cash last August to cover extra charges from her landlord – just so her cockapoo, Bella, could live with her in her taxpayer-funded second home in London.
Documents published by the parliamentary expenses watchdog Ipsa confirm the payout was made – with officials admitting they “gave incorrect advice” on how it should be recorded.
While the claim doesn’t break any rules, critics slammed it as yet another example of MPs milking the system while ordinary Brits struggle.
Furious reader James Allan told the Post: “This is an absolute disgrace. One rule for them, another for us. Why should we fund her pet. When Labour are cutting disability money and my own mother’s winter fuel allowance, to hear that a Labour MP got £900 for her dog is shocking.”
Mrs M O’Brien from Coventry added: “I’m an animal lover so I’d never normally begrudge a pet anything, but this is taking the biscuit. These MPs get paid over £90,000 a year. They should pay for their own pets or find a property that is pet friendly. In what world do they think it’s okay to pass the cost on to us the British taxpayers?”
The Labour Party defended the claim, insisting that MPs must live in two places and pet rent is part of many tenancy agreements. A spokesman said: “This has been approved by the parliamentary watchdog.”
But taxpayers aren’t convinced. John O’Connell, boss of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “It’s surely enough for MPs to get their rent covered. They shouldn’t be charging us to house their furry friends as well.
“No one begrudges a politician wanting a pet – but they should pay for it themselves.”
Ms Owatemi has previously shared snaps of her dog Bella online, and supports several animal charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Under Ipsa rules, MPs representing constituencies outside London can claim back rent on a second home in the capital – but this is believed to be one of the first known instances of “pet rent” being added to the bill.
Read the full story in the Telegraph here.
