Dorset Echo: MPs defend cash claims

THE figures are in again for MPs' expenses claims.   

Against an average of around £135,600 for 2006/7, House of Commons figures show that West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin claimed a total of £147,084 and South Dorset member Jim Knight claimed £137,970.

Both figures are increases on the previous year's claims. Mr Letwin's total climbed about 20 per cent.   

"I hope I give value for money, but that is for my constituents to judge," Mr Letwin said.   

His claims included £838 for rail travel and £21,244 for staying away from home.   

"I try to take up and deal with everything people talk to me about and my staff are certainly working full tilt - we sent about 15,000 letters and emails last year."

He said temporary cover to replace a sick member of staff had accounted for the rise in his claim.   

Expenses cover areas such as office running costs, staff, stationery, postage and travel.   

Mr Knight, who spent £2,590 on rail travel, said: "I think I'm pretty much in the middle of all the MPs in terms of amount claimed.

"I tend to use the five and a half hours a week I spend on the train working. Going first class means I am guaranteed a seat and have more space to get that work done."

The campaign group The Taxpayers' Alliance expressed itself unhappy with the figures. Spokesman Matthew Elliott said: "MPs should be ashamed of themselves.   

"Families are struggling to pay higher tax bills while MPs are spending more and more of our money on themselves each year."