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| What you've spotted on expenses... | What you've spotted on expenses... |
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| Parliament has published all MPs expenses dating back four years, albeit with many bits blacked out for "security" or "privacy" reasons. Here, on a page being updated through the day, are some of the eye-catching new details you have spotted and emailed us about, and which we have put to MPs: | Parliament has published all MPs expenses dating back four years, albeit with many bits blacked out for "security" or "privacy" reasons. Here, on a page being updated through the day, are some of the eye-catching new details you have spotted and emailed us about, and which we have put to MPs: |
| GENERAL POINTS | GENERAL POINTS |
| A huge number of you have been in touch to question your local MP's claims of up to £400 a month for food - which they were allowed until recently to do without submitting a receipt - and the claims for £250 a month in "petty cash" from the Incidental Expenses allowance. We are working through thousands of your emails highlighting more specific claims, checking the receipts and contacting the MPs concerned for their response. | A huge number of you have been in touch to question your local MP's claims of up to £400 a month for food - which they were allowed until recently to do without submitting a receipt - and the claims for £250 a month in "petty cash" from the Incidental Expenses allowance. We are working through thousands of your emails highlighting more specific claims, checking the receipts and contacting the MPs concerned for their response. |
| KATE HOEY | |
| Several people have e-mailed to query a receipt in the Vauxhall MP's 2007/08 expenses file from John Hoey, who was paid £472.61 for web design. The Labour MP said she had turned to her brother "in desperation" after being let down by a company that was building her website. She said his bill was not as much as some firms would have charged. | |
| RICHARD SPRING | RICHARD SPRING |
| Peter from Cambridge queries why the Suffolk West MP should be reimbursed for the £39 he spent on buying copies of the Racing Post in April and May 2008. Mr Spring's spokeswoman points out that Newmarket, the home of the racing industry, is situated in Mr Spring's constituency and he needs the trade paper to "keep abreast" of developments affecting issues such as employment and planning. The MP only claims for the paper when the Commons is sitting, she added. | Peter from Cambridge queries why the Suffolk West MP should be reimbursed for the £39 he spent on buying copies of the Racing Post in April and May 2008. Mr Spring's spokeswoman points out that Newmarket, the home of the racing industry, is situated in Mr Spring's constituency and he needs the trade paper to "keep abreast" of developments affecting issues such as employment and planning. The MP only claims for the paper when the Commons is sitting, she added. |
| KEITH VAZ | KEITH VAZ |
| Anne, from Leicester, queried a claim of £3,525 made by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz for 42,000 2008 calendars in October 2007. She was wondering if this is linked to a claim made a month later for the postage of 36,209 items at a cost of £1,756, suggesting they were early for Christmas. We've put the claim to Mr Vaz's office but they are yet to make a statement. | Anne, from Leicester, queried a claim of £3,525 made by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz for 42,000 2008 calendars in October 2007. She was wondering if this is linked to a claim made a month later for the postage of 36,209 items at a cost of £1,756, suggesting they were early for Christmas. We've put the claim to Mr Vaz's office but they are yet to make a statement. |
| GEORGE GALLOWAY | GEORGE GALLOWAY |
| This rather surprising picture trumpeting the merits of Boris Johnson's bid to be London mayor features among what look like taxi receipts submitted by the Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, George Galloway. Thanks to John from Bethnal Green for pointing it out: "I wonder if the taxi driver did it on purpose" | This rather surprising picture trumpeting the merits of Boris Johnson's bid to be London mayor features among what look like taxi receipts submitted by the Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, George Galloway. Thanks to John from Bethnal Green for pointing it out: "I wonder if the taxi driver did it on purpose" |
| TIM LOUGHTON | TIM LOUGHTON |
| Conservative MP Tim Loughton was not happy with Patrick, from Worthing's suggestion that he used his expenses to stock up on "boy's toys". He said that as shadow children's minister he needed a satellite navigation system to find his way round the country when he visited various children's projects and as he travelled round his Worthing and East Shoreham constituency. He needed a blue-tooth headset to operate the system legally and he had saved the taxpayer a lot of money by using digital cameras to take publicity pictures instead of hiring a professional photographer. He said he was happy to talk to any constituents about his expenses claims and he published a breakdown on his website. | Conservative MP Tim Loughton was not happy with Patrick, from Worthing's suggestion that he used his expenses to stock up on "boy's toys". He said that as shadow children's minister he needed a satellite navigation system to find his way round the country when he visited various children's projects and as he travelled round his Worthing and East Shoreham constituency. He needed a blue-tooth headset to operate the system legally and he had saved the taxpayer a lot of money by using digital cameras to take publicity pictures instead of hiring a professional photographer. He said he was happy to talk to any constituents about his expenses claims and he published a breakdown on his website. |
| STEPHEN POUND | STEPHEN POUND |
| Robert, from Ealing, wondered if his MP, Labour's Stephen Pound, had spent £500 of taxpayers money on a season ticket for his local football club Hanwell Town. Mr Pound said the idea that anyone had ever bought a season ticket at Hanwell Town - a team he used to play for - was "risible". He said the money had been spent on advertising his constituency surgery in a match programme. He said he had claimed for a digital camera because his old one had been "smashed out of his hands" during a dispute over planning. Many constituents came to him with planning problems and he found it useful to take pictures of housing developments to stop disputes "escalating into street warfare". | Robert, from Ealing, wondered if his MP, Labour's Stephen Pound, had spent £500 of taxpayers money on a season ticket for his local football club Hanwell Town. Mr Pound said the idea that anyone had ever bought a season ticket at Hanwell Town - a team he used to play for - was "risible". He said the money had been spent on advertising his constituency surgery in a match programme. He said he had claimed for a digital camera because his old one had been "smashed out of his hands" during a dispute over planning. Many constituents came to him with planning problems and he found it useful to take pictures of housing developments to stop disputes "escalating into street warfare". |
| HUGO SWIRE | HUGO SWIRE |
| David from East Devon points out that East Devon MP Hugo Swire claimed for a £327.94 digital camera from Harrods. He actually bought two more in the same year - from Dixons and Jessops. Mr Swire explained that he likes to carry one in his briefcase and also have one in his office and one at home. | David from East Devon points out that East Devon MP Hugo Swire claimed for a £327.94 digital camera from Harrods. He actually bought two more in the same year - from Dixons and Jessops. Mr Swire explained that he likes to carry one in his briefcase and also have one in his office and one at home. |
| MARK HARPER | MARK HARPER |
| Alan, of Gloucestershire, wanted to know why his MP Mark Harper had submitted the same receipt for £987 twice. The Conservative MP for Forest of Dean said he had not been paid that amount twice. He said he claimed £197.52 in March 2007 for a deposit on a dining table and four chairs and a coffee table for his second home and £790.08 the following month for the balance but had to submit the same receipt to receive payment. | Alan, of Gloucestershire, wanted to know why his MP Mark Harper had submitted the same receipt for £987 twice. The Conservative MP for Forest of Dean said he had not been paid that amount twice. He said he claimed £197.52 in March 2007 for a deposit on a dining table and four chairs and a coffee table for his second home and £790.08 the following month for the balance but had to submit the same receipt to receive payment. |
| GREG CLARK | GREG CLARK |
| Suzanne, of Tunbridge Wells, asked why her MP, Conservative Greg Clark, seems to have claimed £57.38 for books on "hoodwinking unsuspecting strangers". In 2008, he submitted an Amazon invoice for books including "Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion; Yes, 50 Secrets From The Science Of Persuasion; Words That Work- It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear" and there's also "The Speechwriter's Handbook Of Humour: A Practical Guide To Getting Laughs In Public Speeches & Presentations". She adds: Even arguing that an MP might need skills like these for public speaking, surely these are self-improvements for himself & his own career and not the public's responsibility to pay? He has also claimed another £60 on books in June 2007 including one called "How Parliament Works" Should he not have worked that out before taking up office?. We have contacted Mr Clark's office and are awaiting a response. | Suzanne, of Tunbridge Wells, asked why her MP, Conservative Greg Clark, seems to have claimed £57.38 for books on "hoodwinking unsuspecting strangers". In 2008, he submitted an Amazon invoice for books including "Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion; Yes, 50 Secrets From The Science Of Persuasion; Words That Work- It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear" and there's also "The Speechwriter's Handbook Of Humour: A Practical Guide To Getting Laughs In Public Speeches & Presentations". She adds: Even arguing that an MP might need skills like these for public speaking, surely these are self-improvements for himself & his own career and not the public's responsibility to pay? He has also claimed another £60 on books in June 2007 including one called "How Parliament Works" Should he not have worked that out before taking up office?. We have contacted Mr Clark's office and are awaiting a response. |
| CHARLES CLARKE | CHARLES CLARKE |
| Ricky Bruce from Norwich asks why Labour MP Mr Clarke has regularly claimed for payments to Age Concern, including one for £1,225 in February 2008. Mr Clarke says the charity owns the premises in which his constituency office is based, along with that of fellow Norwich MP Ian Gibson, and he pays it rent for the space. He also pays for room hire for special meetings and weekly surgeries. | Ricky Bruce from Norwich asks why Labour MP Mr Clarke has regularly claimed for payments to Age Concern, including one for £1,225 in February 2008. Mr Clarke says the charity owns the premises in which his constituency office is based, along with that of fellow Norwich MP Ian Gibson, and he pays it rent for the space. He also pays for room hire for special meetings and weekly surgeries. |
| IAN CAWSEY | IAN CAWSEY |
| A constituent questions why Labour's Mr Cawsey claimed £69 for the cost of a breathalyser and £24 for a saliva screen test kit in 2007. The MP says the items were necessary for work-related purposes. | A constituent questions why Labour's Mr Cawsey claimed £69 for the cost of a breathalyser and £24 for a saliva screen test kit in 2007. The MP says the items were necessary for work-related purposes. |
| SIOBHAIN MCDONAGH | SIOBHAIN MCDONAGH |
| Julie from London asks why the Labour MP spent so much on postal costs in 2008 after Ms McDonagh claimed about £3,300 towards packing, posting and delivering her annual parliamentary report and calendar. Given the number of reports sent, a spokesman said he felt the postage costs were fair and it wasn't realistic to e-mail the report instead as the MP did not have all her members' email addresses. | Julie from London asks why the Labour MP spent so much on postal costs in 2008 after Ms McDonagh claimed about £3,300 towards packing, posting and delivering her annual parliamentary report and calendar. Given the number of reports sent, a spokesman said he felt the postage costs were fair and it wasn't realistic to e-mail the report instead as the MP did not have all her members' email addresses. |
| MARK FIELD | MARK FIELD |
| James from London has e-mailed in, having spotted receipts for books including "Austerity Britain" and a biography of Bismarck, wondering if taxpayers are subsidising MPs' personal leisure reading material. The Cities of London Conservative MP said these books were for his work with the All Party Parliamentary Group on British-German relations. Other books listed on the receipts that happened to be bought at the same time were not claimed for, he added. | James from London has e-mailed in, having spotted receipts for books including "Austerity Britain" and a biography of Bismarck, wondering if taxpayers are subsidising MPs' personal leisure reading material. The Cities of London Conservative MP said these books were for his work with the All Party Parliamentary Group on British-German relations. Other books listed on the receipts that happened to be bought at the same time were not claimed for, he added. |
| JOHN HEALEY | JOHN HEALEY |
| Michael e-mailed in to ask why taxpayers were paying for Wentworth Labour MP John Healey's shirts to be ironed. Mr Healey, who is not alone in charging laundry services to expenses, claimed £130 for four weeks of "cleaning and ironing services". Mr Healey said for the past year he had published a detailed breakdown of the office, staffing, communications, travel and additional costs allowances on his website. He said: "If I am Michael's MP he, or any constituent, can send their comments and questions to me at healeyj@parliament.uk at the same time as posting them on the BBC website, and I will give them a full, personal response directly. We as MPs are public servants. This is public money and if constituents want to know how much it costs for me to do my job as their MP, this information should be available to them." | Michael e-mailed in to ask why taxpayers were paying for Wentworth Labour MP John Healey's shirts to be ironed. Mr Healey, who is not alone in charging laundry services to expenses, claimed £130 for four weeks of "cleaning and ironing services". Mr Healey said for the past year he had published a detailed breakdown of the office, staffing, communications, travel and additional costs allowances on his website. He said: "If I am Michael's MP he, or any constituent, can send their comments and questions to me at healeyj@parliament.uk at the same time as posting them on the BBC website, and I will give them a full, personal response directly. We as MPs are public servants. This is public money and if constituents want to know how much it costs for me to do my job as their MP, this information should be available to them." |
| ED DAVEY | ED DAVEY |
| The Lib Dem MP for Kingston and Surbiton, who is also the Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman, paid £7,345 towards the cost of a "maximailer" sorting machine. Paul, of New Malden, questioned whether this was reasonable use of funds. Mr Davey said he had paid 50% of the cost of the machine out of his own pocket, as it would be used for political purposes, rather than simply keeping in touch with his constituents and claimed the remainder on his Parliamentary communications allowance. He said the machine saved taxpayers money because it saved his staff time in stuffing envelopes and he had paid tax on it. "I don't know why more MPs don't do it," he said, adding: "If anybody thinks I have bought this machine for my own benefit they must be crackers." | The Lib Dem MP for Kingston and Surbiton, who is also the Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman, paid £7,345 towards the cost of a "maximailer" sorting machine. Paul, of New Malden, questioned whether this was reasonable use of funds. Mr Davey said he had paid 50% of the cost of the machine out of his own pocket, as it would be used for political purposes, rather than simply keeping in touch with his constituents and claimed the remainder on his Parliamentary communications allowance. He said the machine saved taxpayers money because it saved his staff time in stuffing envelopes and he had paid tax on it. "I don't know why more MPs don't do it," he said, adding: "If anybody thinks I have bought this machine for my own benefit they must be crackers." |
| ED MILIBAND | ED MILIBAND |
| In 2005, Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband claimed £35.36 pictures of himself in a Parliamentary debate. His office said the material was used in newsletters to keep his constituents informed about his work in the House. | In 2005, Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband claimed £35.36 pictures of himself in a Parliamentary debate. His office said the material was used in newsletters to keep his constituents informed about his work in the House. |
| NIGEL EVANS | NIGEL EVANS |
| Mandeep from Blackburn queried Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans' mobile phone bills - in May 2006 it was £686 on one bill - and wants to know why he could not have obtained a cheaper call plan. Mr Evans is not alone in having claimed for large mobile phone bills but he said it was a "fair criticism". He added: "I probably could have got a better plan and that is something we will have to look at". But he said he had not benefited personally from it and the high costs were due to the fact that he was on the Council of Europe and had to pay "roaming charges" when journalists called him from the UK. He said he may switch his phone off in future and get his office to text him messages. Roaming charges were also starting to come down, he added. | Mandeep from Blackburn queried Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans' mobile phone bills - in May 2006 it was £686 on one bill - and wants to know why he could not have obtained a cheaper call plan. Mr Evans is not alone in having claimed for large mobile phone bills but he said it was a "fair criticism". He added: "I probably could have got a better plan and that is something we will have to look at". But he said he had not benefited personally from it and the high costs were due to the fact that he was on the Council of Europe and had to pay "roaming charges" when journalists called him from the UK. He said he may switch his phone off in future and get his office to text him messages. Roaming charges were also starting to come down, he added. |
| ANNE MAIN | ANNE MAIN |
| MPs' taxi bills have also come under the spotlight. Ed, of Hemel Hempstead, wanted to know how Anne Main, Conservative MP for St Albans, could justify a £68 taxi fare. Ms Main was not available for comment but her office said she was happy to address personally any concerns constituents had. | MPs' taxi bills have also come under the spotlight. Ed, of Hemel Hempstead, wanted to know how Anne Main, Conservative MP for St Albans, could justify a £68 taxi fare. Ms Main was not available for comment but her office said she was happy to address personally any concerns constituents had. |
| ANN COFFEY | ANN COFFEY |
| The Labour MP for Stockport claimed twice in the same year for digital cameras - £199.95 for a Sony Cybershot in October 2007 and £169.99 for a Panasonic digital camera and associated equipment about three months later. Ms Coffey said she lost the first camera and she needed to take pictures for her constituency newsletter. | The Labour MP for Stockport claimed twice in the same year for digital cameras - £199.95 for a Sony Cybershot in October 2007 and £169.99 for a Panasonic digital camera and associated equipment about three months later. Ms Coffey said she lost the first camera and she needed to take pictures for her constituency newsletter. |
| MARTIN SALTER | MARTIN SALTER |
| Justin, from Reading, wanted to know why his MP, Labour's Martin Salter, appeared to have claimed for a £4.99 Toblerone bar. Mr Salter said the item had been a free gift from a supplier and he had not claimed taxpayers' money for it. | Justin, from Reading, wanted to know why his MP, Labour's Martin Salter, appeared to have claimed for a £4.99 Toblerone bar. Mr Salter said the item had been a free gift from a supplier and he had not claimed taxpayers' money for it. |
| GEORGE OSBORNE | GEORGE OSBORNE |
| In 2005, the Conservative shadow chancellor claimed £47 for two copies of a DVD of his own speech on 'Value for Taxpayers Money'. A spokesman for Mr Osborne said: "Four years ago George received a request from a member of the public for a video copy of the speech which he obtained through the House of Commons broadcasting unit." | In 2005, the Conservative shadow chancellor claimed £47 for two copies of a DVD of his own speech on 'Value for Taxpayers Money'. A spokesman for Mr Osborne said: "Four years ago George received a request from a member of the public for a video copy of the speech which he obtained through the House of Commons broadcasting unit." |
| GRAHAM BRADY | GRAHAM BRADY |
| Kevin, from Altrincham, spotted a £10 claim by Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West for a "milk frother" in 2007/08 and, on the same receipt, £21 for a black toilet roll holder. Mr Brady has yet to respond. | Kevin, from Altrincham, spotted a £10 claim by Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West for a "milk frother" in 2007/08 and, on the same receipt, £21 for a black toilet roll holder. Mr Brady has yet to respond. |
| MARIA MILLER | MARIA MILLER |
| The Conservative MP for Basingstoke was paid £154.61 for books in February 2008. The invoices she submitted from Amazon list political titles, including books on Tony Blair such as Blair Unbound, Blair's Britain. One receipt also shows children's books, including Vikings Don't Wear Pants: Potty Poems of the Past, but Ms Miller has categorically denied claiming for these, saying she was only reimbursed for books connected with her political work. | The Conservative MP for Basingstoke was paid £154.61 for books in February 2008. The invoices she submitted from Amazon list political titles, including books on Tony Blair such as Blair Unbound, Blair's Britain. One receipt also shows children's books, including Vikings Don't Wear Pants: Potty Poems of the Past, but Ms Miller has categorically denied claiming for these, saying she was only reimbursed for books connected with her political work. |
| DAVID HANSON | DAVID HANSON |
| In 2007, the Labour MP for Delyn claimed £100 from his communications allowance to sponsor a match at a local football club Flint Town United. Mr Hanson said: "I was given the opportunity to promote my surgeries, which help hundreds of my constituents every year, and give out my contact details through a sponsorship package for Flint's local football team. The claim was cleared and put through via the communication allowance." | In 2007, the Labour MP for Delyn claimed £100 from his communications allowance to sponsor a match at a local football club Flint Town United. Mr Hanson said: "I was given the opportunity to promote my surgeries, which help hundreds of my constituents every year, and give out my contact details through a sponsorship package for Flint's local football team. The claim was cleared and put through via the communication allowance." |
| ERIC JOYCE | ERIC JOYCE |
| In November 2007, the Labour MP for Falkirk seems to have claimed £39.99 for a remembrance wreath. The claim is for Lady Hague Poppy Factory but there is a line through it, suggesting he may have since repaid the amount. In October 2007 there is a receipt for an Oil Painting on Canvas for £160. All details are redacted except the name of the company Art and More. In May 2007 Mr Joyce claimed £235 for an Assertiveness at Work training course. Mr Joyce confirmed that he has not one but three oil paintings in his Falkirk office. He says he did not go on an "assertiveness" course, so it appears that one of his staff did. And he says the claim for a remembrance wreath was an office mistake. | |
| ANDREW MACKAY | ANDREW MACKAY |
| The Tory MP, who is standing down at the next election following revelations about his second home allowances in the Telegraph consistently claimed £250 per month (£3,000 over the year) for "petty cash". He also claimed over £200 for his annual subscriptions to the Spectator and the Economist. | The Tory MP, who is standing down at the next election following revelations about his second home allowances in the Telegraph consistently claimed £250 per month (£3,000 over the year) for "petty cash". He also claimed over £200 for his annual subscriptions to the Spectator and the Economist. |
| GORDON BROWN | GORDON BROWN |
| The prime minister claimed £176.25 on his Communications Allowance in January 2008 for a CD of photographs of himself. Downing Street said the photos of Mr Brown were used for publicity material in his constituency. | The prime minister claimed £176.25 on his Communications Allowance in January 2008 for a CD of photographs of himself. Downing Street said the photos of Mr Brown were used for publicity material in his constituency. |
| DAVID CAMERON | DAVID CAMERON |
| Various people have pointed out that Conservative leader David Cameron claimed £564 to "rework photos on his website". A spokeswoman for Mr Cameron said the work was to help people with reduced vision to see the website. He no longer claims for the site, she added, and its cost is met entirely by the Conservative Party. | Various people have pointed out that Conservative leader David Cameron claimed £564 to "rework photos on his website". A spokeswoman for Mr Cameron said the work was to help people with reduced vision to see the website. He no longer claims for the site, she added, and its cost is met entirely by the Conservative Party. |
| TONY BLAIR | TONY BLAIR |
| The former prime minister claimed for roof repairs to his second home on the 8 June 2007 - just before he stopped being PM and an MP. The repairs cost £6,990. A spokesman for Mr Blair said: "Roof repairs were carried out well before Tony Blair announced that he was standing down as PM, but the claim was made much later." It is understood the work was carried out in January 2007. | The former prime minister claimed for roof repairs to his second home on the 8 June 2007 - just before he stopped being PM and an MP. The repairs cost £6,990. A spokesman for Mr Blair said: "Roof repairs were carried out well before Tony Blair announced that he was standing down as PM, but the claim was made much later." It is understood the work was carried out in January 2007. |
| WHAT YOU WON'T HAVE SEEN | WHAT YOU WON'T HAVE SEEN |
| We know, thanks to the Daily Telegraph revelations, that Margaret Moran claimed £22,000 for dry rot on her second home. The receipts released with details blacked out do not show her second home was in Southampton -100 miles from her Luton constituency. There is also no mention of Sir Peter Viggers' attempts to claim £1,645 for a "duck island". | We know, thanks to the Daily Telegraph revelations, that Margaret Moran claimed £22,000 for dry rot on her second home. The receipts released with details blacked out do not show her second home was in Southampton -100 miles from her Luton constituency. There is also no mention of Sir Peter Viggers' attempts to claim £1,645 for a "duck island". |