Value For Your Money

In an effort to be transparent about my work, I thought you might be interested to see an update of my parliamentary expenses so far this financial year (April 2011 to October 2011).

I do not claim expenses for accommodation either in Westminster or in Northamptonshire, nor do I claim expenses for any of my own travel costs on parliamentary business.

I run my office on a tight budget but with a view to making sure we can deal with the workload efficiently - I am conscious of the need to be very careful with taxpayers money. I have spent £10,500 on office costs (rent, printing, stationary, training for my staff etc) in the 7 months since April 2011. This is less than half the annual budget allowed by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) of £21,500, so we are well ahead of budget. My staffing costs for the 7 months since April are £55,900, which is again well within the annual budget of £115,000 provided by IPSA. Finally, my staff have claimed £1,260 in travel between Westminster and South Northamptonshire, in conducting 38 out of an allowed 96 single journeys.

Since election in May 2010, I have written over 5,700 letters in response to enquiries from more than 2,600 constituents. In the last year, I have spoken in 73 debates in the House of Commons, and have received answers to 77 written questions. Both of these are above average amongst MPs. I have voted in 84.33% of votes in this Parliament, which again is above average amongst MPs. If you would like more information on the work that I do, you can sign up for alerts at www.theyworkforyou.com.

I will continue to work hard to provide the best service and value for money that I can for South Northamptonshire.

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