MP watchdog asked to review expenses after Midland MP's 'pet rent' claim
Security minister Dan Jarvis has defended his colleague Taiwo Owatemi, Government whip and MP for Coventry North West, stating she adhered to the rules when she filed the expenses claim in August last year.
However, Jarvis acknowledged that the "rules can't be right" and confirmed the government's intention to prompt the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) to review the regulations.
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The claim by Owatemi arose after her landlord at her second residence in London imposed an additional fee to accommodate the MP's dog, as reported by The Times newspaper.
The parliamentary authorities processed and paid the claim, which did not contravene the existing rules on MPs' expenses, as reported by City AM.
Discussing the matter with LBC, Jarvis remarked: "I wouldn't do that, haven't done that. Therefore, I think it can't be right that the rules allow any Member of Parliament to do that.
"That is why the government will be making representations to Ipsa, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, to ask them to look very carefully at the detail of this particular rule.
"It's important to say that the MP in question, she hasn't done anything wrong in that she's followed the rules as they are at the moment, but we don't think that those rules can be right and that's why the government will flag it with Ipsa."
Jarvis was questioned by LBC about the optics of a Labour MP claiming expenses for pet rent while the government is cutting benefits.
He responded: "Yeah. That is why the government will raising concerns about this particular rule and we will pick that up with Ipsa."
Owatemi often shares posts about her cockapoo, Bella, on social media.
She also supports Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and other animal-related charities.
MPs who have constituencies outside of London are allowed to claim back rent for accommodation in the capital.
Ipsa informed The Times that it had agreed to fund the pet rent surcharge for Owatemi, but "gave incorrect advice as to how it should be described".
"We have apologised directly to the MP and are sorry for any confusion," added the parliamentary watchdog.
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