Monday 18 May 2009

I am well aware how angry my constituents are about the issue of MP's expenses. This is not what people expect of public servants, and rightly so; particularly at a time of growing hardship for many families.

My own expense claims are a matter of public record and are broken down below for each year since I was elected to the House of Commons in May 2005.

As an Outer London MP I have been entitled to claim the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) for a second home. I chose not to do so, however, receiving the London Supplement instead. This is a much smaller amount and taxed. I do have a property in the constituency however, I do not live there and it does not cost the tax payer a penny.

For the record, I rank 20th in the list of lowest expenses claimants among all MPs for the period 2005-8, as listed by the Sunday Times on 17/5/2009.

Collectively we have been humiliated by the revelations and shamed into making changes that were long overdue. I do not know what system will emerge for remunerating MPs but it will be fairer and more transparent. In the meantime, all we can do is work patiently to rebuild public confidence in the work we do.

It has been my privilege over the last four years to help a great deal of people within my constituency, whilst leading some important campaigns aimed at improving things both locally and nationally.

I am supported by a first class team, and we take great pride in the work we do on behalf of constituents and in support of my parliamentary duties.

Any constituent who wishes to contact me can reach me on hurdn@parliament.uk

* Regular journeys between home/constituency/Westminster: Mileage £2,084 (386th). Rail £360 (507th).
** Car £851 (542nd). Rail £861 (434th).

• The Incidental Expenses Provision is an allowance designed to provide for facilities; equipment, supplies and services for Members and their staff. It is used for accommodation for office and surgery use; equipment and supplies for office or surgery; work commissioned and other services; and travel costs not met out of travel expenditure. All payments are supported by receipts or invoices which are settled direct by the Fees Office.
• The Communications Allowance is designed to help Members communicate proactively with their constituents about their work and parliamentary duties. All payments are supported by receipts or invoices which are settled direct by the Fees Office.
• I employ two full time staff and four part time staff. None of them are members of my family or were employed by me on the basis of friendship. My staffing needs have grown as I have assumed front bench duties.
• Please note that 2005/6 is not for a full twelve months as the election (in which I was first elected) was in May 2005.

Table source: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/nick_hurd/ruislip_-_northwood