Heyes reveals expenses claims

MP under scrutiny: David Heyes

Ashton MP David Heyes has revealed every expenses claim to prove he is not on the Westminster gravy train.

He laid bare every receipt he had submitted in the last four years to the Evening Chronicle as the MPs expenses scandal continues to rock Parliament to its core.

The Labour MP, whose constituency includes Failsworth and Hollinwood, said he had nothing to hide and wanted constituents to know he was not milking the system.

Mr Heyes submits regular claims for rent for his one-bedroomed flat, utility bills, council tax, phone and television licence fees under the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA), in line with the rules.

He also submits bills for cleaning, the service charge on the flat and food ranging from £80 to £120 for food — not the £400 allowed.

Mr Heyes said: “Far from being equipped with expensive luxuries the contents of my flat — such as my 10-year-old TV — are mostly second-hand goods which have outlived their time at my ‘first’ home in Failsworth.

“I have made limited use of the ACA, for example to replace worn out essentials such as a vacuum cleaner and bedding.”

The Chronicle can confirm Mr Heyes only claimed £837.34 in the four-year period for the basic household items.

Mr Heyes added: “This entire business has been extremely damaging.

“The actions of some MPs of all parties has been disgraceful and indefensible.”


Selection of claims

2004-05
£98.50 utility bills

£200 cleaner


2005-06

£1,256.67 monthly rent

£61.04 bills


2006-07

£245 water rates

£115 food

£74.09 electricity

£788.82 council tax


2007-08
£1,300 rent

£99 insurance

£135 TV licence