A senior politician from the UK's governing Labour party has sparked controversy after claiming €1,076 (£900) in expenses for "pet rent".
Taiwo Owatemi, who is a member of parliament (MP) for the Coventry North West constituency, had to pay the surcharge so that her cockapoo Bella could stay with her in her London flat.
Although the politician broke no rules over the pet surcharge, her own party has said the guidelines should now be changed.
Security minister Dan Jarvis told broadcaster LBC that Owatemi had done nothing wrong, but said he would not have filed the same expense claim.
"I think it can’t be right that the rules allow any member of parliament to do that," said Jarvis.
"The government will be making representations to IPSA, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, to ask them to look very carefully at the detail of this particular rule," he added.
British politicians who represent a constituency outside of London are allowed to rent a property in the capital, so that they can attend the House of Commons during the week.
IPSA, the independent body which oversees politicians' expenses, told Euronews it was common for landlords to charge rent surcharges, adding that it had given Owatemi "incorrect advice" on how she should describe the cost that caused the backlash.
"We have apologised directly to the MP and are sorry for any confusion," IPSA told Euronews, referring to Owatemi.
The body also said it was "committed to supporting a parliament where people without the private finances to fund working from two locations themselves are not prevented from becoming an MP".
The controversy over the "pet rent" expense claim came just days after the British government announced sharp cuts to the welfare system.
UK politicians are set to earn an annual salary of €112,284 (£93,904) after a recent pay rise.
