Andrew Stunell's Pay and Allowances 2008/09

My Living Room in London

I think it is important to be as transparent as possible about the money you pay me and how it is spent. As a result, in addition to publishing the previous years' expenses claims, which have already been published by the House of Commons authorities, I have decided to voluntarily publish my expenses claims for 2008/09 early, and in greater detail.

As the information below shows I keep my expenses as low as possible consistent with providing constituents with a good service. I have only claimed half of the Additional Costs Allowance, used to help fund the upkeep of my single-bedroom flat. This year, as part of the conditions of my lease, I had to have the rooms re-carpeted, which cost £1,775 out of my £12,400 claim. It would, however, cost taxpayers around twice as much if I were to stay in a hotel in London.

The Communications Allowance was introduced initially in 2007/08, to support MPs in their communication of non-party political information to their constituents. Funds can be transferred from the Incidental Expenses Provision (IEP) and Staffing Allowance to the Communications Allowance. However, funds cannot be transferred from the Communications Allowance to any other parliamentary allowance. This year, I transferred £5,400 from the IEP to enable me to communicate more effectively with my constituents.

The provisional totals for 2008/09 are below. A complete breakdown of the final figures will be published by the House of Commons in shortly, and will then be added to this website.

My Bathroom in London

2008/09 Provisional Claims

MP's Staffing Allowance:

Total Budget: ............................ £100,205

Claimed by Andrew Stunell: .......... £99,650

MP's Communications Allowance:

Total Budget: ............................. £10,400

Claimed by Andrew Stunell: ........... *£15,800

MP's Incidental Expenses Provision (including office costs):

Total Budget: .............................. £22,190

Claimed by Andrew Stunell: ............ *£12,500

MP's Travel (including some staff travel costs):

Claimed by Andrew Stunell: ............ £3,800

MP's Additional Costs Allowance (for staying in London):

Total Budget: ............................... £24,000

Mortgage Interest: ......................... £4,260

Leasehold service charges: .............. £2,470

Council Tax: .................................. £1,100

Gas, Electricity & Water: .................... £810

Phone: ............................................ £220

Utilities Call-Out Insurance: ................. £330

Flat Contents Insurance: .................... £220

Food: ........................................... £1,210

Carpets (leasehold tenancy condition): £1,775

Total claimed by Andrew Stunell: £12,402.80

Total Expenses Claimed 2008-09: # £144,150

# Note - provisional total

* £5,400 transferred from IEP to Communications Allowance