 The House of Commons opens up MP expense claims to scrutiny. |
MPs have defended claiming a total of �78 million in expenses last year, saying the money is vital to allow them to do their jobs properly. Figures released on Thursday showed MPs claimed an average of �118,437 each, on top of their basic salary of �57,000.
Sir Archy Kirkwood MP, from the House of Commons Commission, said MPs faced greater workloads than ever before.
Labour's Peter Pike, whose claim was among the highest, dismissed the figures as "misleading nonsense".
"There are so many factors that you have to take into account. I do not think people are comparing like for like," said Mr Pike, who claimed �153,989.
"I genuinely believe you have got to look at what MPs do, where they live and what their staff implications are. You cannot just look at them off the peg."
He said the figures could be misleading and were "a total nonsense".
 | SEE WHAT EACH MP SPENT Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
High workload
The House of Commons Commission approved publication of the figures, which also show expenses claims have risen by more than �20 million in two years.
Commission spokesman Sir Archy, a Liberal Democrats MP, said: "Members are like 659 individual small businesses, working under an ever-increasing load and more complex environment.
"They now deal with issues, and communicate in ways unheard of a few years ago. They require more back-up staff, more computer resources, and more allowances to enable them to travel back and forth to Parliament, living away from home for days at a time, while keeping in touch with the problems and issues of their constituents."
| WHAT THEY CAN CLAIM Second home - up to �20,333 Office space - up to �18,799 Staff costs - up to �72,310 Plus stationery and travel costs |
MPs are entitled to claim �20,000 on a second home if they live outside London, the same amount for office costs and up to �77,000 in staff costs.
When those expenses are taken into account, the average backbencher receives �175,000 a year.
Increase
An increase in expenses allowances has also been recommended so that MPs can pay their staff more.
The news that Tony Blair had claimed �43,000 over three years for his constituency home made headlines in some newspapers.
But his official spokesman said: "The prime minister's expenses have been approved by the [House of Commons] Fees Office and all are within the House of Commons rules."
| HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us your views on what MPs can and do claim |
Mr Blair claimed �80,517 worth of expenses last year, Conservatives leader Michael Howard claimed �79,930, while Lib Dems leader Charles Kennedy claimed �118,066.
Backbench Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh claimed �31,845 for postage expenses last year, while each of the four Sinn Fein MPs claimed in excess of �100,000 even though they are yet to take up their seats at Westminster.
An MP can retire with a �28,742 annual pension after 20 years in the Commons. They also receive a pay-off of up to �57,485 if they are defeated at a general election.
The pension pays up to 1/40th of their final salary for each year they pay in - twice as much as many schemes.
With the national average wage just over �20,000, Britain's biggest union called on MPs to tighten their belts.
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Members are ... working under an ever-increasing load and more complex environment 
