A statement to my constituents about my expenses

All Members of Parliament are entitled to reclaim the costs they incur in carrying out their Parliamentary duties, provided these costs fall within the specific guidelines set out by the House of Commons authorities. You can find a full explanation of the current system of allowances on www.parliament.uk.

As you may well know, the current system of allowances for Members of Parliament is undergoing a review by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, an independent committee chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly

In addition to my job as MP for Wimbledon, I am also a Shadow Minister of Transport, and some of the costs below have been incurred in carrying out these duties.

The table below shows the costs incurred by me since I became an MP on 5 May 2005. At all times I have tried to ensure that these costs represent the best value for money.

The amounts involved have been allocated into the categories used by the Parliamentary Allowance System and the notes below the table give some more details.

(1)  Additional Costs Allowance

Although, until April this year, I was entitled to the Additional Costs Allowance (also known as the Second Home Allowance) I have never claimed any housing or associated living costs. This is in contrast to my predecessor, the Labour MP who represented Wimbledon from 1997 – 2005, who claimed this allowance although his family home was in Wimbledon. I have lived in Wimbledon since 1999 and despite my eligibility for this allowance, have always believed that my claiming for a second home in Central London from public funds would be completely unjustifiable.

(2)  Incidental Expenses Provision

The Incidental Expenses Provision (IEP) covers the costs I incur to run my office which do not fall into the other categories shown in the above. I use it to cover the costs of arranging and holding my regular constituency surgeries, and for transport needs not covered in the travel allowance. I also use it to buy stationery and office supplies which are not purchased directly from the House of Commons.

(3)  Members’ Travel

I claim mileage and rail fares to cover the cost of undertaking my Parliamentary work as both MP for Wimbledon and Shadow Transport Minister. I am not permitted to claim for the Congestion Charge.

In 2006/07 the breakdown was as follows: Car £1635, Rail £3022, and European travel £299. In 2007/08 more detail is available and the breakdown was as follows: Regular journeys between home/constituency/Westminster: Mileage £1600, Rail £1314, and Misc £69. Other: Mileage £62, Rail £1024, and Air £73.

(4)  Staffing Allowance

My staffing allowance covers the cost of employing staff at in my office at the Houses of Parliament including their salaries and the costs of Employers’ National Insurance contributions. All the staff employed by me are remunerated within the pay scales as determined by the House of Commons authorities.

I employ two full-time members of staff:

1. My wife, Sally, as my office manager and constituency secretary. She has an excellent knowledge of Wimbledon, and has worked in a similar role for several Members of Parliament at the House of Commons since 1984.
2. My full-time researcher Ben, who assists me with both my constituency and Shadow Transport responsibilities

I also employ an intern from time to time to help with diary and office administration. I also employ additional temporary secretarial assistance when required to help with overflow typing.

I confirm that I do not employ party political local councillors.

My staff work incredibly hard to help me represent my constituents in Wimbledon. I receive a huge amount of e-mails, letters and phone calls, and would not be able to deal with these adequately without the help of dedicated and experienced staff.

(5)  Communications Allowance

The communications allowance enables me to keep my constituents informed on a regular basis of what I am doing on their behalf. I send every constituent at least two communications every year. I also send surveys on specific matters such as transport and local businesses. I hold regular surgeries for constituents and I hold public meetings, which all constituents are invited to attend, throughout the constituency each autumn.

This Allowance was not available prior to 2007/08. The Conservative Party has pledged to abolish this allowance and I support that stance.

More on my full allowances can be found here on www.parliament.uk.

The Daily Telegraph investigated my expenses and found that nothing was untoward. In their supplement of all MPs' expenses on 20th June, I was named as one of the 50 'saints'. Read more...