The recent high-profile abuse of the Parliamentary allowance scheme has, sadly, called all our integrity into question, and has renewed public fear that allowances are used as a supplement to MPs pay. This is not the case for the overwhelming majority of MPs, whose allowances are used for staff and the costs of running a constituency office.

However, it is absolutely right that MPs’ pay and allowances should be open and transparent. I have posted the breakdown of mine since they were first produced by the House of Commons authorities, and am happy to confirm:

• I do not employ any members of my family

• I do not receive any housing allowance

• The only travel expenses I claim are for my Oyster card.

• The entirety of my other allowances are dedicated to employing staff; employer’s National Insurance contributions, office rent/rates, phone bills, and related office costs. The only other direct claim I make is towards the cost of my mobile phone bills.
• I make no claims for food, taxis, or for entertaining guests at Parliament or elsewhere.

I am also more than content to answer questions on these issues.

Last year I ranked 513th out of 646 MPs for my total spend (more detailed breakdown can be if you click on the above image).

Karen Buck MP