Auditor-General looking into English allowance

Bill English is able to claim costs as an out-of-town MP. Photo / Daily Post

The Office of the Auditor-General has announced it will make "preliminary enquiries" into whether Deputy Prime Minister Bill English was right to claim a taxpayer-funded accommodation allowance.

A spokeswoman for the office told nzherald.co.nz they would begin gathering "background information" to decided whether to a full inquiry was warranted.

It follows a complaint from Progressives MP Jim Anderton about the out-of-town accommodation costs Mr English has been claiming.

Mr English is MP for Clutha Southland and while his wife is a GP in Wellington and his children go to school there, it is officially his secondary residence and he is able to claim accommodation costs as an out-of-town MP.

Mr Anderton asked the Auditor-General for an investigation into whether Wellington is actually Mr English's primary residence.

A spokeswoman the office said: "We have not yet decided whether to inquire into this matter, but see it as appropriate for this Office to make some preliminary enquiries to gather background information.

"Once we have had an opportunity to consider that information we will decide whether any further action by this Office, such as beginning a formal inquiry, is warranted."

The spokeswoman said a decision on whether to undertake a full inquiry was expected in about two weeks time.