Mr John Lyon CB,CommissionerOffice of the Parliamentary Commissioner for StandardsHouse of CommonsLondon SW1A 0AASent by Fax to : 020 7219 049010 February, 2009

RE : Rt Hon. Jacqui Smith MP, Additional Costs Allowance (ACA)Dear Mr Lyon,We have now had written confirmation from your office that our original (9 February, 2009)complaint regarding the Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith’s claims for Additional Costs Allowance (ACA)has been rejected on the grounds that you do not

“propose to institute an inquiry on the basisof the press article”.

Perhaps you will consider the matter on the basis of what the member for Redditch herself says, according to Jacqui Smith’s own website (www.jacquismithmp.labour.co.uk/biography)

Jacqui grew up in Malvern, Worcestershire before moving to Redditch in 1986.She still lives in Redditch with husband, Richard and sons James (13) andMichael (8).

It is our view that by claiming Additional Costs Allowance in relation to her Redditch home, thetaxpayer is meeting some of the core running costs of what is in reality Ms Smith’s main familyresidence. In doing so she has been negligent and breached the Code of Conduct and failed tostrictly observe the administrative rules relating to the Allowance.In considering this matter further we have consulted the February 2003, Third Report of TheCommittee on Standards and Privileges into Michael Trend MP. The Committee ruled in that case that

"Mr Trend should have recognised that, by claiming Additional Costs Allowance in relation to his Windsor home, the taxpayer was meeting some of the core running costs of what was in reality his main residence. He should have realised that this was wrong. Accordingly, we agree with the Commissioner that Mr Trend was negligent and has breached the Code of Conduct by making improper use of the Additional Costs Allowance

T : 020 7837 3312 F : 070 9201 2337 E : team@sunlight-cops.org.ukAlbion Buildings, 1 Back Hill, London, EC1R 5EN

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