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Cabinet couple face expenses row Cabinet duo face expenses probe
(40 minutes later)
Cabinet ministers Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper have been referred to Parliament's standards watchdog.Cabinet ministers Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper have been referred to Parliament's standards watchdog.
Standards Commissioner John Lyon's office has confirmed it has received a complaint about the ministers, who are husband and wife, and is investigating.Standards Commissioner John Lyon's office has confirmed it has received a complaint about the ministers, who are husband and wife, and is investigating.
It is understood the complaint relates to their use of the additional costs allowance to cover MPs' second homes.It is understood the complaint relates to their use of the additional costs allowance to cover MPs' second homes.
A spokesman for the couple said they had done nothing wrong and had agreed claims with the Commons fees office.
He also said they had not claimed the maximum allowed under the allowance - which is worth up to about £23,000 a year per MP.
A Commons review of MPs' expenses has recommended it be replaced and tighter checks on expenses introduced.A Commons review of MPs' expenses has recommended it be replaced and tighter checks on expenses introduced.
A spokeswoman for John Lyon's office said the complaint was made in February - but could not confirm what it was about, or how the investigation had been going on for.
It is thought the complaint was made by a Conservative MP.
It refers to the fact that Schools Secretary Mr Balls and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Ms Cooper, who both represent constituencies in West Yorkshire, describe their London home as their second home - for which they can claim the allowance.