Labour MP charged taxpayers £900 ‘pet rent’ for her cockapoo.
A government whip has charged taxpayers £900 in one year for “pet rent” for her cockapoo Bella.
Taxpayers have picked up the bill for Taiwo Owatemi, the Labour MP for Coventry North West, to allow her dog to stay at her second home in the capital. She submitted the expense claim on August 29, 2024.
The claim, which has been paid by the parliamentary authorities and is not in breach of the rules, is understood to have been for a pet surcharge imposed by her landlord.
It is not known how many other MPs have claimed “pet rent” for their animals to stay with them in London, as any such surcharge would ordinarily be included in their rent and not itemised. However, it raises the question of why a politician should be allowed to claim anything for their pets on expenses.
A Labour spokesman said: “MPs are required to work in two locations, and this is a requirement for living in this house. It is the same for many other MPs and has been approved by the parliamentary expenses watchdog.” Times.
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