Both the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives agree a “loophole” must be closed in the rules allowing some MPPs to charge the taxpayers for Toronto accommodations.

It became an issue this week when it was revealed that Thornhill MPP Peter Shurman had chosen to move to Niagara-on-the-Lake and bill Queen’s Park for an apartment in Toronto, an allowance available to MPPs who live more than 50 kilometres from the Queen’s Park legislature.

“This clearly goes against the spirit of the allowance as envisioned by the Board of Internal Economy,” Liberal House leader John Milloy said Friday in a letter to Speaker Dave Levac.

“The government strongly believes that a review of this situation should be a priority for the board, to ensure that only MPPs representing constituencies a burdensome travel distance from Queen’s Park are eligible for the expense.”

According to media reports, Shurman and his wife purchased the Niagara-on-the-Lake home, about 150 kilometres from his riding, in 2008 for $660,000. Shurman, the party’s finance critic, claimed $20,719 last year for living in Toronto — the maximum allowed.

Tory Leader Tim Hudak said Shurman has agreed to stop.

The Tories also sent a letter to Levac calling on the Board of Internal Economy “examine and change the rules surrounding accommodation allowances.”

“Taxpayers have expressed concern with the current system and know that it needs to be fixed immediately. Tim Hudak and the Ontario PC caucus agreed,” said the letter from MPP Sylvia Jones (Dufferin—Caledon), who is the PC caucus chair.

Hudak was aware that Shurman was living outside the riding “and he was assured that the rules were being followed and they were, but it’s not right,” Tory MPP Monte McNaughton told reporters at Queen’s Park.

Neither letter was specific as to what exactly needs to be changed. There is no requirement for MPPs to live in the ridings they represent.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said she would also be open to a review of the accommodation rules.