The latest figures for allowances paid to Members of Parliament were released at the end of March. Here is a breakdown of the allowances paid to Mark, together with comments by Mark on the wider issue, with his proposals for change:

General Expenses

Travel

Travel for regular journeys between home/constituency /Westminster

Spouse Travel

Family Travel

Mark commented on the figures:

“The media frequently give the impression that all the allowances paid to MPs are for their personal benefit. The breakdown of my figures, as with I am sure the vast majority of MPs, show that this is not the case. Nevertheless, MPs must recognise the concern and anger on this issue felt by many members of the public on the issue. The reforms which come into effect at the beginning of April are a step in the right direction, but there need to be more fundamental reforms, put into effect as soon as possible. In my view, these need to include:
-    changes to stop MPs whose constituencies are within or near London claiming a ‘second home’ allowance;
-    replacing the ‘second home’ allowance with a flat rate, and lower, accommodation allowance (again, MPs from constituencies in or near London should not be eligible for this allowance);
-    preventing MPs taking ‘2nd jobs’;
-    ensuring that MPs' staff are employees of Parliament, rather being employed directly by MPs, with a proper recruitment process.’

For more comments by Mark on the wider issue, and his own allowances, visit Mark’s blog at http://marklazarowicz.blogspot.com/2009/04/mp-allowances-and-g20.html