MPs' expenses soar as councils charge punitive rates on second homes

Expense claims by MPs have soared since a law change allowed local councils to charge punitive rates on second homes.

From 1 April, local authorities in England have been able to charge a council tax premium of up to 100 per cent on second homes, which effectively doubles bills.

Official figures suggest many MPs are now being hit by the extra charge as they have homes in both London and their constituencies.

But a number of MPs are seemingly passing the additional cost on to the taxpayer.

Records of MPs' expense claims are regularly published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).