Jacqui Smith - Standards and Privileges Committee Contents



7.  LETTER TO HEAD OF VALIDATION TEAM, FEES OFFICE, HOUSE OF COMMONS FROM RT HON JACQUI SMITH MP, 19 JUNE 2007

My husband, Richard, had a very useful conversation with [an official] in your office last week about arrangements for my ACA claims. I wanted to write to confirm my arrangements.

When I first became a Minister in 1999 it was deemed that Ministers had their main home in London as a matter of course. I, therefore, claimed my London home as my main residence and have continued to. In recent years that "rule" has been relaxed with Ministers now able to say that their main home is not in London.

My ministerial duties continue to extend my residence time in London but I was concerned that I hadn't clarified my "main residence" designation formally. In particular, I asked for advice about whether the home where my family live should automatically be my main home. The advice of your office was that this wasn't relevant. I would welcome a confirmation of this.

Certainly, whilst I remain a Minister (with the extra London and non-constituency-based duties this entails) it seems reasonable to continue to deem my "main home" as being in London. Should my job change I will take further advice as the amount of time I spend based in London may reduce. Please could you confirm that this fulfils the conditions of the ACA.

Thank you for your help.

19 June 2007


 
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