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How our MP spent £153k in expenses
5:31pm Thursday 11th October 2007
Comments (16)CASTLE Point MP Bob Spink ranks among the top 10 per cent highest spending MPs in the country, new figures reveal.
The MP, a member of the cross-party Parliamentary science committee, claimed £152,937 between April 2005 and March 2006, according to his expenses - which he has released ahead of other MPs.
His spending ranks him 64th out of 646 MPs.
On top of his stated salary of £60,000, the annual gross income for Dr Spink adds up to almost £213,000.
The MP, who claimed more than £120,000 in office expenses, office staff, stationery and postage, said some of his outgoings were due to his role in the campaign against the proposed liquid natural gas plant on Canvey, which was recently shelved weeks away from a public inquiry.
He said: "This past year, the Calor Gas plant has involved me in about 24,000 letters. But we won the latest round, and that was as a result of the strong campaigning of all in our community."
His expenses also include an additional cost allowance of £21,817 he claims for a flat near the House of Commons "to facilitate his long hours of work".
On top of that, Dr Spink, who lives in Benfleet, claimed £9,347 travel costs, including £6,732 for car travel to the Commons.
He defended his expenses, saying two years ago he had been ranked among the hardest working MPs in the country.
Dr Spink said: "I am publishing all my allowances and costs immediately so people have a chance to question me on it. I have made full use of the available allowances so I can do the best possible job for my constituents.
"I try to respond to all contacts the same day and I keep people updated on the issues they raise with me, including petitioners on important matters."
MP's expenses at a glance
Bob Spink's expenses April 2005 - March 2006
Incidental Office Expenses: £19,789
Staff costs: £90,756
Centrally purchased stationery: £2,057
Postage costs: £8,118
Travel costs: £9,347
Additional Costs Allowance: £21,817
Other: 1,053
TOTAL: £152,937.
Your Say YourEcho
evilc, essex says...
8:01pm Thu 11 Oct 07
Ask his mate Bill!
fred, southend says...
10:19pm Thu 11 Oct 07
Nice earner, southend says...
10:51pm Thu 11 Oct 07
s like political campaigning at the taxpayers expense.
I think we should be told.
the painter, mayland says...
11:51pm Thu 11 Oct 07
The Truth Seeker, Seeking snouts in troughs wherever they may be says...
11:53pm Thu 11 Oct 07
...and he has an expensive hot tub as well - allegedly
Jim, Westcliff On Sea says...
9:11am Fri 12 Oct 07
Commuter, Castle Point says...
9:20am Fri 12 Oct 07
Confused, London says...
9:53am Fri 12 Oct 07
acid_jim, says...
1:46pm Fri 12 Oct 07
TOTAL: £152,937 .
An increase of £23,000 on last year that cannot be explained away by a few more letters.
Bobs expenses are consistantly among the highest claimed by any MP. He's also had around 30 free overseas trips since being elected.
Nice little earner Bob.
PtbH, A.B.C. says...
2:00pm Fri 12 Oct 07
He's also had around 30 free overseas trips since being elected.
Funny how they're to places like the Seychelles, Maldives, Cayman Islands, Great Barrier Reef.
Never Grimsby, Hull or Canvey.
evilc, essex says...
10:30pm Sat 13 Oct 07
Steve, The Rock says...
1:18pm Sun 14 Oct 07
topman, castle point says...
12:41pm Mon 15 Oct 07
apart from Cyprus.I am sure the Grecian Bay Hotel would tell you how many times he has been, how many rooms he had and who he went with oh and who paid !! The calor cost was a disgrace. he sent out frightening two sided pictures. the one with the explosion and flames was ok but the other side with his face on was really scarey.he still shows his ex as his diary secretary when she is not. but you try and find out who the staff are and what they are paid. not possible . unless bandwagon bob gives permission for the information to come out .well will the george formby lookalike do so ? not on your nelly..why does he have to keep telling people he is straight ? of all the things he is alleged to be liar, cheat,hypocrite.Gay aint one of em
Drew Peacock, Canvey says...
8:36pm Mon 15 Oct 07
Keith Barber, Canvey Island says...
10:29am Mon 22 Oct 07
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Vernon, Basildon says...
7:40pm Thu 11 Oct 07