Taxpayers could pick up bill for MPs' free cars

MPs may get free cars courtesy of the taxpayer, the Standard reveals today.

Commons authorities have proposed a scheme allowing MPs to lease cars from the House after some claimed they were unable to cover their vehicle costs at the current expense rate of 40p a mile.

In initial findings that do not give the go-ahead for the scheme, the members estimate committee today said politicians could either meet the cost of leasing a car themselves or it could be a "free" service offset by a reduction in another allowance.

The idea has been condemned by Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker.

He said: "It's absolutely outrageous that any consideration whatsoever should be given to providing cars for MPs on the taxpayer."

A committee spokeswoman said the scheme may eventually be approved if it saves public money.

Matthew Elliott, chief executive of campaign group The Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "At a time when the Government is massively hiking taxes on cars, it's incredible that MPs are considering giving themselves free cars."