£4,878 bill to re-cover ministerial suite sofas

Philip Hammond: £4,878 bill to re-cover ministerial suite sofas
10 April 2012
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Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has had four oatmeal-coloured sofas and an armchair re-covered at a cost of £4,878.

A transport department spokesman said the furniture in Mr Hammond's ministerial office needed to be refurbished "as it was at least a decade old" and it was "cheaper to re-upholster than replace like for like".

Mr Hammond's spending is part of a bill totalling almost £50,000 for ministerial office refits since the Coalition came to power - prompting accusations of "hypocrisy" at a time of tightened spending.

The costs include £1,995 on "antique furniture maintenance" in Foreign Office Minister Lord Green's office. Redecorating Home Secretary Theresa May's office suite cost £2,000.

The cost sparked anger so soon after rail passengers were told they face the biggest increases since privatisation. Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle said: "Commuters facing eye-watering hikes in fares will find it staggering that the Transport Secretary has found so much money to spend."

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