British crooks in office are more interesting than the home grown version

[DanaC]

They're only allowed to claim for 'upkeep' costs on their second home. The second home allowance is there for non-London MPs who have to shuttle between their London duties and their constituecy duties. It's supposed to ensure that non-London MPs aren't disadvantaged (and therefore their constituents properly represented) compared to the MPs whose constituencies are within commutable distance to Parliament. The alternative is MPs staying in hotels which usually works out more expensive.