Allowances

The Commons published some more details of MPs expenses and allowances today, relating to 2008/09 and the start of the 2009/10 period. This relates to claims for things which enable me to live in London while doing my job as MP for Hodge Hill.

I claimed for some lamps, a bookcase, a table and a desk to help me work in my one bedroom rented flat in London – all bought at a second-hand shop in the Midlands.

I also claimed for a new bed frame and mattress I bought off the internet to replace the old one which I’d “inherited” when I moved into the rented flat I use in London.

These are the only furniture claims I’ve been paid for since becoming an MP in 2004.

I also claimed £50 – by mistake – for three childrens’ airbeds. This was an error – I quite understand why it wasn’t paid. I’ve paid for them, so my three children don’t have to sleep on the floor when they visit me in London.