Susan's Parliamentary Expenses Claims

The scandalous behavior of some of my colleagues in the House of Commons that has been revealed in recent weeks has highlighted the urgent need to reform MPs expenses. Some of us in the House of Commons have believed this for many years but have come up against opposition time and time again.

I have always believed that honesty, openness and transparency are fundamental principles which MUST applied to MPs expenses.

Politians of all parties need to realise that people have a right to know where their money is going. I have always believed that MPs should be totally open about what they have claimed for. This is why I voted for plans to introduce an independent audit of MPs expenses. In January 2009 I also voted against Government plans to make MPs expenses exempt from Freedom of Information legislation. It is precisely this type of legislation which seeks to cover up how MPs spend taxpayer's money which has lead to an expense culture which is completely unacceptable.

I have never claimed for a second home, or any of the trappings that come with it. I have always been completely against the idea that London MPs should be able to claim a second home allowance which is why I supported Sarah Teather's MPs common sense Parliamentary Motion to have second home allowances for London MPs scrapped - thankfully this has now happened.

If you have any questions about my expenses please do not hesitate to contact me.

Along with my colleagues, I have been warned by the House of Commons authorities that if I make my detailed receipts available before they are published by the House of Commons (expected in June) I can be sued under the Data Protection Act by anyone objecting to the disclosure of the details on their invoice. Formal requests are being sent to the Commons Administration to ask for this to be speeded up.

The figures for the recent financial year are in draft form - awaiting final figures from Parliament due at 31 May '09

Susan's Parliamentary Expenses - Financial year 2008/9

Staffing

Susan does not employ any family members.

Amount spent on salaries: £95,873.58 (This includes salaries and bonuses).

This is for three full time and one part-time members of staff.

Office Costs

• Office rental - £16,570.00

• Computer Equipment and support - £4,721.23

• Telephones - £1,598.15 (landlines + PDA - Susan pays for her own mobile including Parliamentary calls).

• Subscription for POLD services - £400

• Other - £669.36 (includes insurance, staff travel costs, office supplies, meeting halls and petty cash etc)

House of Commons Stationery and Pre-paid envelopes

£2044.90

Communications Allowance

£11,874.75

Additional Costs Allowance (second home, food, furnishings)

£0

Travel

£0

Susan's Parliamentary Expenses - Financial year 2007/8

Staffing

Amount spent on salaries: £85,193

Office Costs

Incidental Expenses Povision (IEP): £22, 733

Centrally Purchased Stationery: £1,579

Associated Postage Costs: £4,878

Centrally Provided Computer Equipment: £1,065

Communications Allowance

£8,779

London Supplement

£2,812

Additional Costs Allowance

£0

Members' Travel

£0

Susan's Parliamentary Expenses - Financial year 2006/7

Staffing Costs

Amount spent on salaries: £84,852

Office Costs

Incidental Expenses Povision (IEP): £23,256

Centrally Purchased Stationery: £1,445

Associated Postage Costs: £4,499

Centrally Provided Computer Equipment: £1,014

London Supplement

£2,712

Additional Cost allowance

£0

Members' Travel

£59

Susan's Parliamentary Expenses - Financial year 2005/6

Staffing

Amount spent on salaries: £73,589

Office Costs

Incidental Expenses Povision (IEP): £28,072

Centrally Purchased Stationery: £1,474

Associated Postage Costs: £5,331

Centrally Provided Computer Equipment: £834

London Supplement

£2,360

Additional Costs Allowance

£0

Members Travel

£0