MPs' expense claims have increased significantly following a legislative change that enabled local councils to impose high charges on second properties.
Starting 1 April, local councils in England can impose a council tax surcharge of up to 100% on second properties, which essentially doubles the charges.
Official statistics indicate that numerous MPs are now facing the additional fee because they own properties in both locations.London and their constituencies.
However, several MPs appear to be transferring the extra expense to the public.
MPs' expense reports are consistently made public by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
They show that LabourThe taxpayer was charged £3,285.90 in council tax for a property located in his Doncaster North constituency by Ed Miliband for this financial year.
This exceeded twice the amount of £1,576.42 which Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, reported for 2024/25.
Senior Cabinet member Hilary Benn, who serves as the Secretary for Northern Ireland, reportedly claimed approximately £430 in council tax for a property during both April and May of this year.
This is compared to the Leeds South MP's ten expense reports of approximately £206 each for council tax in 2024/25.
Andrew Murrison, the Conservative MP representing South West Wiltshire, submitted a claim for £2,486.44 in council tax for a Westminster residence for the 2025/26 period. This is an increase from £1,189.42 in the 2024/25 year.
Conservative MP Dame Harriett Baldwin, who leads the House of Commons Treasury select committee, reported a council tax expense of £5,455.70 for the 2025/26 period.
This exceeded twice the amount of £2,602.73 she reported for council tax on a property in her Worcestershire constituency for the 2024/25 period.
She told The TimesSince I was first elected in 2010, I have consistently paid two council tax bills, one for my constituency residence and another for my London home, and I have always sought reimbursement from IPSA for the council tax on my constituency property.
The council increased the council tax this year. I applied for an exemption but it was denied.
No indication of any misconduct by the MPs.
According to IPSA guidelines, Members of Parliament representing areas outside London are eligible to claim costs associated with lodging.
This may apply to hotels, rental fees, or 'related expenses' – such as council tax – for MPs who own their own properties.
Andy Fenner, the head of the Short Term Accommodation Association, stated that Members of Parliament's expense claims had 'shielded' them from the effects of second homes taxes.
He stated: "Second home council tax charges are already affecting the holiday rental market, increasing expenses for families who wish to vacation in the UK, yet they have minimal impact on making homes available for local residents."
If members of parliament are shielded from the effects of these fees, it only increases the feeling of injustice among communities and businesses that depend on tourism.
What is required is policy based on evidence that increases housing and backs the essential jobs generated by tourism, rather than harsh measures that MPs do not bear the financial burden of.
The UK's short-term rental industry is represented by the Short Term Accommodation Association. Among its members are AirBnB and Vrbo.
Elliot Keck, representing the Taxpayers' Alliance, stated: 'The council tax second home surcharge is among the most unreasonable and harsh policies implemented in recent times.'
However, some of the same MPs who supported and voted for this policy are able to escape the burden of the premium by appealing to taxpayers.
If these politicians truly held any values, they would be paying the extra fee from their own funds.
An IPSA representative stated: 'We offer financial support to MPs for their work in two locations: Westminster and their local constituencies.'
We do this so that membership is not solely accessible to those who can afford to finance two properties on their own.
We provide reimbursement for only one home per MP, which has to be located within their constituency or in London. Tight budget guidelines are in place and must be followed.
English local authorities received the authority to impose double council tax on second home owners through a law enacted by the former Conservative government in October 2023.
The ex-levelling up minister Michael Gove stated that it would assist in eliminating the 'problem' of vacant second homes and 'revive' local areas.
Read more- Is it ethically concerning for affluent Members of Parliament such as Rachel Reeves to impose additional council tax costs on second homes, especially when regular households are facing financial difficulties?
- Is there a significant increase in council tax bills for second homeowners throughout the UK, reaching alarming amounts?
- Why are certain owners of second properties in London now receiving public funds for the first time?
- Why are rising council tax shortfalls sparking anger towards second home owners avoiding their financial responsibilities?
- Are public funds being misused for lavish benefits for Members of Parliament, as one MP claims £900 for her dog's accommodation in London?