A CONSTITUENT has accused St Albans MP Anne Main of claiming expenses for personal income tax advice. Tony Crook, of Fishpool Street, St Albans, challenged Mrs Main over the issue after details of MPs expenses were released last week and questioned whethe

A CONSTITUENT has accused St Albans MP Anne Main of claiming expenses for personal income tax advice.

Tony Crook, of Fishpool Street, St Albans, challenged Mrs Main over the issue after details of MPs expenses were released last week and questioned whether she intended to repay them as Tory leader David Cameron said his MPs would be expected to do.

But Mrs Main was quick to respond to Mr Crook's allegation and said the expenses were not for personal income tax advice but incidental office expenses which includes such items as computers, printers and air-coolers which she has to buy herself and then claim back.

She explained that they were treated as depreciating assets which are tax deductible and while her husband, who previously dealt with her tax affairs before she became an MP, had tried to work out what she owed, it was so complicated that she had to seek professional help.

Mrs Main added: "I must stress I consulted the fees office and worked within the rules as we are asked to in the Green Book at all times.