SPCB Written Question · S2W-16883 · Session 2
What assessment it has made of the personal financial gain to MSPs who have (a) used the Edinburgh accommodation allowance to facilitate th…
The question
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what assessment it has made of the personal financial gain to MSPs who have (a) used the Edinburgh accommodation allowance to facilitate the purchase of private properties before selling them on at a higher price or (b) borrowed on the basis of a value significantly increased from the time of original purchase of private property using the Edinburgh accommodation allowance.
The answer
In answer to (a), none. This is personal information which the Allowances Office does not require to have to administer the Allowances Scheme as approved by the Parliament.
In answer to (b), the Allowances Office checks annually the mortgage statement of accounts for each member who claims. The scheme only allows for payment of interest on capital borrowed to purchase a property. An extension of mortgage beyond the capital borrowed to purchase the property would not qualify for interest payments under the Allowances Scheme.
In answer to (b), the Allowances Office checks annually the mortgage statement of accounts for each member who claims. The scheme only allows for payment of interest on capital borrowed to purchase a property. An extension of mortgage beyond the capital borrowed to purchase the property would not qualify for interest payments under the Allowances Scheme.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-16883 by reference.