17 Nov 2010

Accomodation expenses highlighted

8:12 am on 17 November 2010

Labour is pointing to what it says is another expense claim problem with the cost of Cabinet ministers' accommodation in Wellington rising despite a new scheme aimed at saving money.

It says figures for the third quarter of the year show the total amount claimed rose by 8% in one year, or $148,422 to $160,778.

Labour MP Pete Hodgson told Morning Report the Prime Minister rushed to make changes to accommodation allowances after a previous issue.

He said the aim was to deflect attention and John Key is doing the same thing again with international travel perks.

But National says the figures are skewed by a change in circumstance for Transport Minister Steven Joyce who moved from a ministerial house into rental accommodation.

It says if that is removed, the increase is in line with inflation.