Expenses claims out in the open

HIGH CLAIMANTS: MP Debbie Abrahams

OLDHAM East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams claimed £74,615 in expenses last year - one of the highest amounts among MPs.

But Mrs Abrahams’ claim with staffing costs included drops her to 66th place.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Association revealed the total amount claimed by MPs for the financial year to April this year.

Despite opening themselves to widespread criticism during the 2009 expenses scandal, MPs’ total claims rose by 10 per cent to £98.1million.

A spokesman for the MP said: “Debbie is nowhere near being one of the most expensive MPs in the country.”

IPSA capped MPs' staffing budget at £137,200 which includes staff on payroll and freelance staff.

In 2012/13 Mrs Abrahams claimed £104,406 for payroll staff and £25,607 for freelance staff, totalling £130,064.13. The assistants help her undertake almost 3,500 cases for constituents every year, as well as her work in Parliament.