British Ministers Charged Taxpayers for Tax Advice

LONDON – A British newspaper says nine Cabinet ministers used taxpayer-funded expenses to pay for advice on completing tax returns.

The Daily Telegraph reported Monday that Treasury chief Alistair Darling and eight other ministers claimed the cost of tax advice on their expenses.

It is among the latest details about excessive claims on public funds made by British lawmakers.

Legislators have faced a public backlash following days of revelations about claims for items such as porn movies, horse manure and chandeliers.

The newspaper says the nine ministers spent 11,000 pounds ($17,500) in total on tax advice over four years.

It says deputy Labour Party leader Harriet Harman charged the public 10,000 pounds ($15,900) for media training.