How our MP spent £153k in expenses (From Echo)

How our MP spent £153k in expenses

5:31pm Thursday 11th October 2007 in News By Christine Sexton

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.