MPs accused over eyewear expenses

MPs have faced media scrutiny after claiming hundreds of pounds as expenses for eyewear.

Information released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority led to accusations of some MPs buying designer frames. In its latest figures for October and November, a £239 claim was submitted by former health secretary Andrew Lansley for prescription glasses and eye test costs for a member of staff requiring spectacles for computer work.

Other MPs who made higher claims said staff welfare was worth spending on, but the reimbursements were criticised by Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance. He said: ‘Millions of us need to wear glasses but wouldn’t dream of billing our employer for the cost of our specs.