Public think MPs should use budget hotels instead of second homes

Almost two-thirds of the British public think MPs should stay in budget hotel rather than receive second home allowances, according to a new survey.

In a poll commissioned by budget hotel chain Premier Inn, 64% of those questioned said they would rather MPs stayed in low cost hotels when at Westminster on Parliamentary business.

Just 13% of the sample of more than 1,000 people believed MPs should have second homes paid for via the expenses system.

The poll, carried out by ComRes, between the 29 May to the 31 May 2009, also revealed that 81% of people want civil servants to stay in budget hotels when travelling on official business to reduce costs.

Patrick Dempsey, managing director of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: "Premier Inn County Hall is minutes away from the Houses of Parliament and offers a genuine, cost effective and flexible alternative to second homes.

"A number of MPs already use the hotel and these results show that the public would like more to follow suit."

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By Gemma Sharkey

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