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HAZEL BLEARS' EXPENSES
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BLOODY HELL HAZEL!!!
The full extent of Hazel Blears' expenses are revealed today…That's Hazel Blears, MP for Salford, one of the most deprived areas in Europe. They include £1,000 a month mortgage on a flat in London, £200 on bath towels…hundreds of pounds on a posh hotel, £1,773 on two TVs in less than a year – oh and £8518 in `Communications'…shame she couldn't afford a stamp to reply to our letter six months ago!
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Even the gravy train itself would get embarrassed about Hazel Blears' expenses over the last five years, paid for by public money of course.
The story begins in March 2004 when she stated that her second home was in Salford and bought a tv set and video recorder from Selfridges for £850 and a mattress from Marks and Sparks for £651. The mortgage on that property was £300. But the next month, according to today's Daily Telegraph, she suddenly changed track and stated that a flat in Kensington was her second home, claiming £850 a month for the mortgage.
In August 2004 she sold it for £200,000, and during September and October that year stayed in London hotels, including a really posh one called Zetter where rooms cost £211 a night.
In December 2004 Hazel bought another London flat for £300,000 with a monthly mortgage of £1000, while she also claimed £400 at that time for groceries. That's three different houses in a year. Over the next four months our MP spent £4,874 on furniture, £899 on a new bed and £913 on yet another tv. In March 2006 Hazel spent a further £668 on curtains and sheets, £439 on kitchen equipment and £200 on bath towels.
What the tax payers need to know is - where did she find the time to do so much shopping? And, never mind Selfridges and Marks, what's wrong with Salford Precinct?
During the years 2006-2008 Hazel was the joint champion of claiming `Additional Costs Allowances' with a whopping £45,193 claimed, while she also spent £26,240 on travel between Salford and London (including eight return trips and one single trip for her husband Michael at a cost of £2,615.85).
Altogether, over the last five years, Hazel has claimed £694,462, an average of nearly £140,000 a year, in travel, second homes, staff, office costs etc. That's on top of the salary of £141,866 a year she's entitled to claim as a Minister and MP.
Last year, for instance, Hazel spent £92,407 on staff, £8,518 on `Communications', and £3,382 on `Associated Postage Costs'. What happened to the reply to our letter, that we sent in good faith as her constituents?
We were going to send Hazel a first class stamp to reply to our letter, in case she couldn't afford it. But now she can fuck right off.
Empowering the community, my arse, she's been empowering her powder room…
*********************************************** The figures quoted for household expenses are reported in today's Daily Telegraph
A spokesperson for Hazel Blears said "All Hazel Blears' claims for allowances are in line with the rules, and have been approved by the fees office. To do her job as MP for Salford, she has to have accommodation in London to be near the House of Commons. This accommodation includes a bed with a mattress, blankets and pillows, and a television."
For a history of our letter to Hazel see here and click on the associated links.
See Hazel's Expenses Part 3 here
See Hazel's Expenses Part 2 here UPDATED 11th December 2009
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ned land wrote
at 08:11:57 on 10 April 2014 |
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I abhor all MPs misgivings , and there are plenty.
They are worse than sewer rats feasting on a rotton corpse .
Greedy , self-serving , taxpayer-milking parasites.
Local councils are no better, extorting taxpayers money to squander and waste .
we need political representatives of the calibre of Dave Nellist , Eric Heffer , Terry Fields , and Dennis Skinner.
People who care about the People , and are not just in politics for self-enrichment , as the current rabble are.
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Brian F Kirkham wrote
at 22:27:05 on 09 April 2014 |
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We can all lament our local MPs Misgivings (those of us in that constituency) - but hasn't she announced she's going from Westminster at the end of this parliament??? Be careful what you wish for because I see two ill winds converging - in the 'honourable' Ms Blears making a move on either the Police commissioner or Mayors Job when she leaves her current role...local politics moves in mysterious ways, particularly if you live in this city. |
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ned land wrote
at 16:52:38 on 09 April 2014 |
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Greedy Parasite Maria Miller forced to resign.
How did Greedy Parasite Blears get away with it ? |
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Non-Resident wrote
at 15:20:48 on 27 July 2013 |
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@wrote
You say "Never forgotton. Never forgiven." Forgotten no she hasn't been, but forgiven oh yes it seems she was, this story comes from back in May 2009 and the IDIOTS who elected her before the time of this article did the same again in 2010. If the people of Salford want to fund several telly's for greedy MP's I suggest they buy one from Dixons and send them direct to the greedy bastards, just don't expect me to chip in. |
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wrote
at 06:13:07 on 27 July 2013 |
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Never forgotton.
Never forgiven. |
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Julie23430 wrote
at 12:26:07 on 01 March 2013 |
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The last i heard of this woman was that she was too ill to stand trial/investigation for falsely claiming expenses. This week is saw her in parliament. Is she better can she be tried and jailed now. |
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dave - ex-labour forever , all traitors wrote
at 16:27:33 on 09 November 2011 |
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THEY ARE ALL STILL AT IT .[ EXCEPT DENNIS SKINNER ]. MEPs, MPs, lords, MR. Squeaker , Local clouncils . They are all still stuffing their fat , greedy faces with OUR money , and we must stop it , by any means . These corrupt bastaRds are making the unemployed work for dole money . LET-S HAVE THESE CORRUPT BASTARDS WORKING FOR £2-50 AN HOUR . If they don't like it ,CRAWL INTO CLOUNCIL 'WORK'. Ordinary decent people will do a far better job . VIVA LA REVOLUCION . |
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Winston Smith wrote
at 16:26:08 on 09 November 2011 |
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Never mind, the BNP are on standby to pick up all the disillusioned voters that Ms Blears and her self serving parliament/council mates are alienating. Believe it - I never would have thought the BNP would be driving around Morrisons car park in broad daylight AND picking up over 6.5% of the votes when I moved to Salford only a few years ago...Well done Ms Blears and friends (NOT) |
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micky wrote
at 13:27:13 on 09 November 2011 |
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TELL ME WHY SHE IS STILL AN MP IT IS REDICULOUS |
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Jim Penlington wrote
at 09:01:09 on 17 September 2011 |
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The recent riots where the government stated that it was total criminality and the culprits would be brought to justice, should have a gentle reminder of the criminality they commited when they fruadulently claimed expences. The government must think we have short memories for the UK to return to being a lawful society then changes must be made at the top ie MP's. They should lead by example then as they say the troops will follow if it is ok for Hazel Blears to write a check then it's ok for rioters to give the stolen tv's or whatever goods back and that's ok ie ONE RULE FOR ALL and PUNISHMENT FOR ALL any scandal MP's should be sacked and prosecuted with harsher sentences as they are highly educated people and know exactly what they are doing. I finnish by saying i do n ot condone rioting and the Police should not be blamed in any way for how they handled the riots. It wasn't there fault but the Goverments for the way they have conducted themselves and so arrogantly cheated the tax payer out of millions so come on Mr Cameron get you house in order,after all you have screwed the Health Service, Police, Fire Service, Education and Local Goverment so tel me why MP's should be immune. |
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Eddie wrote
at 09:32:37 on 24 February 2011 |
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This Grinning Bitch Blears should be sharing Kit-Kats with David Chaytor , or is that
Cheator . |
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Davey Boy wrote
at 13:57:14 on 23 February 2011 |
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Blears should be in gaol with the rest of the corrupt , cesspit- dwelling ,MPscum . We need more Dennis Skinners . |
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jim devine wrote
at 11:29:28 on 23 February 2011 |
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Think you mean Jaqui 'ilive my sister while my husband has a ham at the taxpayers expense' Smith Gary. But i agree with what you say and one does metaphorse into the other in the publics mind. Its a disgrace that the BBC have paid Smith to front this sham of a programme, you get the feeling there is more than a cosy relationship between the BBC and 'NEW' Labour. |
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Gary Connerty wrote
at 10:44:07 on 23 February 2011 |
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Another one of our polititions who's in it "to make a difference" yeah, to your bank account,this money grabbing bitch should be in jail for my money (and she's helped herself to plenty of that)let me tell you something Miss Blears.When I was in the Army I had my food and accomadation taken out of my wages on a monthly basis, I was allowed 2 travel warrents a year to go home to see my family, any other travel I had to either hitch hike or pay from my weekly pittance.we were not accomadated in 5 star luxury, nor could we claim for porn movies so our lonly partners could "entertain" themselves, you have recently complained you where hounded from you job through sexism, NO ! YOUR A THIEF. plain and simple you are a disgrace. |
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mcdonalds coupons wrote
at 17:30:44 on 14 September 2009 |
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Thank you very much for that informational entry. |
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Jacqueline Martin wrote
at 07:26:46 on 20 June 2009 |
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My parents have worked hard all their lives and saved- just like my husband and I have. To read about Hazel Blears and all her thieving makes me so angry. When we sold our house in Wales and rehoused in Scotland, the solicitor wanted to know all about where we had got our money from!!!!! It was from hard work and paying our taxes etc. not like Mrs. Blears. She keeps going on about being made a scapegoat. I hope she will be de-selected. |
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Mary Tyson wrote
at 16:38:50 on 19 June 2009 |
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The money they claim for all manner of things is from the public purse IE.tax payers.From pensioners, low wage earners on minimum wage eecking out a living, small businesses fighting to survive.They dip in and help themselves from duck houses to moat cleaning,paying mortgages that don't exist remember their names all of them and their queen HAZEL BLEARS. |
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P MERRY wrote
at 16:38:30 on 19 June 2009 |
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IT JUST GO TO SHOW HOW OUT OF TOUCH MP ARE WITH THE REAR WORLD THEY LIE AND CHEAT THE PUBLIC AND THINK IT IS OK , THE POLICE SHOULD GET INVOLED AND BRING CRIMINAL CHARGES TO THESE PEOPLE , THE SOONER THESE MP ARE ARRESTED AND JAILED , THE PUBLIC MAY START TO BELIVE MP ARE WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT JUST LINING THERE POCKETS |
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J Kenney wrote
at 13:02:12 on 19 June 2009 |
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All these Mp's who abused the system should be held on trail for misappropriation of funds, malfeasance and abuse of the expense systems! If we the public did this, we would be held accountable. Since the MP's are being paid to serve the public, then they should have not caused this problem and should not be only held accountable, but I personally feel they should have civil and possible criminal actions against them! After all we have to obey the law! What is their excuse? |
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Fred Armathwaite wrote
at 18:31:53 on 10 June 2009 |
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Surely the real ambarassment for Hazel Blears -- aside from the small matter of fraud -- is that she was caught living like a lady in London, while professing to be a Socialist in Salford. Let me tell you that properties in Shad Thames do not come cheap. And the hotel she chose is one of the most luxurious in the capital. I'm sure Salford's voters will do the right thing when the general election comes! |
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Issy wrote
at 11:23:42 on 10 June 2009 |
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I have just looked at Ms B's website and she is claiming that when she became a minister in 2001 the fees office INSISTED that she designate her London flat as her main residence. I can't find anything to confirm or refute this. Can anyone else? I am not sympathetic to her nor to her excessive claims but does this mean that when she sells her Salford home she will also fall liable to CGT? |
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Kelly McFarland wrote
at 04:22:11 on 21 May 2009 |
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Never did like Hazel Blears. This has just made me dislike her even more. Just think of all that money she claimed for all that crap,she could have used it do something decent for Salford residents. You know the constituency she supposedly works for!
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Pitchfork wrote
at 00:38:14 on 14 May 2009 |
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This is a clear abuse of a BENEFIT System. Who will call for criminal proceedings to be instigated - the Politicians?
Perhaps we need to look a little closer to home to see what our Lead Members, Exec Support and Local Councillors are earning?
How many various boards do the Cllr's Merry, Warmisham and Lancaster sit on, how much do they receive in expenses and allowances? ? ? ?
This (Media) tidal wave of corruption and abuse will eventually pan out, leaving a stench of rot in the structure of politics, and small pools of local questions about our local representatives. |
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pam wrote
at 23:35:13 on 09 May 2009 |
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To me it's as bad as benefit fraud but they are allowed to get away with it. Rules for one springs to mind. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a reply to any letter you send. She hasn't the nerve to send in a response. She thinks us lot are beneath her. |
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Stan Evans wrote
at 23:35:05 on 09 May 2009 |
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Hazel Blears obviously still enjoys a Taste of Honey.
Gordon Brown says it's not his fault, it is the system (hasn't he made this plea before?), yet NeoLabour have been in power for 12 years. Didn't Blair and Brown promise to clear away sleaze and corruption?
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Paul S wrote
at 23:34:47 on 09 May 2009 |
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On behalf of all politicians, Will you peasants
leave us to get on with our job and stop moaning
because we are doing OK. while you are telling us
how bad things are for you all. Don't blame us for
knowing how to bleed a system made by politicians for politicians. Is it our fault that we know how to work the system with-out getting Nicked, you lot
fiddle the benefit system so leave us alone to get on with fiddleing the allowance system, so leave us
alone and we will leave you alone, a real case of
Quid Pro Quo. We too have families, dogs, horses one or two BMWs, large houses and many "dependents"
all these take money which you, the voters,provide
So on behalf of all politicians here and in the south of France, a nice big Thank You, Thank you.PS |
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Bob Jeffery wrote
at 21:03:36 on 09 May 2009 |
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debbie wrote
at 17:08:35 on 09 May 2009 |
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No wonder she has a permanent grin on her face!!!!!!!!! |
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phil wrote
at 10:49:55 on 09 May 2009 |
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well salford we know what to do next time they want our vote , vote none of the above. |
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sarah ryan wrote
at 01:47:27 on 09 May 2009 |
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Am I a bit thick as I just don't get it? MPs get a salary don't they?...my employer doesn't pay for my home furnishings?
Even the 2.6k on travel for 8 trips is extortionate. I travel to London monthly get a standard return ticket (admittedly I get a charitable discount it's £68) it should be around £100, or even cheaper if booked in advance and/or off peak. She must be going 1st class. If staying overnight, I stay in premiere inns which are comfortable clean, and good food and service, no need for the posh end.
I have a decent job but can't afford one mortgage let alone a big screen TV. It just illustrates that MP's have no grasp of reality and real issues...never having to struggle or budget, they can bleed the tax payer dry without a flicker of conscience. They are welcomed into a system that perpetuates their pampered soft "never-done-a hard-days-graft-in-their lives" hands. Ooo Hazel better put your Nivea hand cream on the claim form!..silly me you'd only use the high end stuff. I really hope there is true reform and hope the money saved - which must be millions -will be reinvested wisely. |
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Will Youds wrote
at 22:56:24 on 08 May 2009 |
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As these M.P's now become shown up for the money hungry bastards they are, I wonder if any future expenses brought to light will surprise us, such as one M.P who claimed expenses to help with a local project, or cover the costs of a community endeavour? of course it won't. they will show these people as grabbing bastards who twist the system to line their own pockets.
I thought being an M.P was a vocation. Not a chance to make a few quid on the sly. |
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Jon wrote
at 21:27:48 on 08 May 2009 |
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I simply don't understand this constant refrain of 'no rules were broken'?
Here's the rule: "Only those additional costs wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred to enable you to stay overnight away from your only or main UK residence, either in London or in the constituency."
Wholly. Exclusively. Necessarily.
TVs? Video players? Groceries? Bath towels? Curtains?
This is fraud. Plain and simple fraud. Even without the cynical juggling of 'second homes' for profit. |
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Richard Carvath wrote
at 21:27:29 on 08 May 2009 |
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Definitely snout in trough. |
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