Mole Valley MP denies dental surgery expenses claim

By nle marie

Mole Valley's MP has defended himself against allegations he has used taxpayers' money to subsidise his dental practice.

Sir Paul Beresford approached the Advertiser yesterday to defend himself after the Daily Telegraph newspaper approached him over expense claims he has made regarding his leasehold property in Putney, which incorporates a dental practice and a flat.

Sir Paul said: "They are inferring that I am using the taxpayers' money to subsidise my dental surgery.

"When in fact I would be very much better off financially if I bought a third property and charged it to The House."

Sir Paul says he has claimed 50 per cent of the expenses at the property, which houses a flat and a dental surgery – with none of the claims being used to subsidise the dental surgery.

He said he has not claimed utility expenses like gas and electric or for food.

Sir Paul says he claimed £3,521 for 07/08, which includes claims for gutter cleaning, roof repairs and council tax.

He said he has claimed nothing for 08/09, when he could have claimed up to £23,000 plus under Commons' guidelines for a second home.

He said: "I stopped claiming in March last year because I didn't use the flat. I came home instead.

"My kids have left home and my wife was lonely. I won't be claiming again because I'm doing the place up. I will keep a bed there.

"No one else has ever stayed there."

In 2005/2006 Sir Paul says he claimed £2,900 for damage to the flat when the property flooded due to a blocked drain.

Sir Paul, who previously slammed excessive claims made by MPs, has asserted that he continues to condemn those who abuse the system.

He said: "I feel I have been clobbered for claiming less than I could have. I should be one of their golden halo MPs."

Chairman of the Mole Valley Conservative Association, Colin Crispin, said: "Sir Paul has my total support and he will be our candidate for the next election.

"What is being said about him is an incorrect interpretation of the facts.

"If anything untoward was going on I would call an immediate de-selection."