I read with disgust how MP Nicholas Winterton charges rent for the house he owns to his MP's expenses.

On second thoughts, I own my house so it is therefore possible to claim housing benefit to pay myself rent - it's all taxpayers' money.

But I would be charged with fraud if I did this.

I wonder how many other MPs do the same?

We also have MEPs milking the system - they haven't got a conscience either.

It must make the average "Joe" in the street sick to their back teeth how MPs can scam their expenses and also demand a whacking pay rise, while others have to make do with minimum wages and rising prices.

BRIAN LESTER Pegasus Road Blackbird Leys Oxford