Here’s how much Sherwood's MP has claimed in expenses

Despite the vast majority of MPs working from home for much of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, many have still been claiming thousands of pounds in expenses.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority figures for the 2020-21 financial year shows that UK MPs have claimed more than £9 million as of January 6.

The JPIMedia Data Unit has analysed the figures to find out how much has been claimed by MPs across the country, including the biggest and most unusual expenses.

The data shows Sherwood’s MP, Mark Spencer, made a total of 77 claims, totalling £9,720.84.

Sherwood MP Mark SpencerSherwood MP Mark Spencer
Sherwood MP Mark Spencer

The largest claim was £7,760.34 which came under the category of Office Costs.

Mr Spencer said: “As Sherwood’s Member of Parliament, I make sure to keep my expenses as low as possible.

“As someone who lives here in Sherwood but works in Parliament, I claim expenses for my travel to and from London and for my accommodation whilst I am down there.

"I also claim general office supplies for my staff, such as computers, printing, desks and chairs.

“However, the vast majority of my expenses are actually paying my staff’s salaries.

“All my expenses are published online for my constituents to see, and I’m always happy for any constituent to contact me to ask any questions about them they may have.

"It is important to bear in mind that all six of my office staff’s wages are technically classed as my expenses, as are my office running costs, such as the rent for my constituency office in Hucknall.

"With that in mind, it is perhaps both unhelpful and unclear that the independent body that oversees MPs expenses, IPSA, classifies essential costs, like paying my staff, as expenses.

“Regardless however, it is my firm belief that as expenses are taxpayer’s money, it is essential MP’s are open, up front and honest about what they claim and why.”

Alex Norris, MP for North Nottinghamshire, which covers Bulwell, made 22 claims, totalling £15,190.87.

The largest claim was £6,582.45 which came under the category of accommodation.

Mr Norris said: “All members of Parliament receive an allowance for staff, offices and associated costs that enable them to do their jobs. I use this funding on my brilliant team here in Bulwell and in Parliament. The work they do, day in day out, enables me to help and support as many local people, causes and communities as possible.

“I think it’s really important that people in Nottingham North are able to see the allowances I use, both for staffing and enabling me to live and work in London for part of every week.

"They need to have confidence that public money is being used properly and appropriately – and can do that by checking all figures online. For my part, my driving priority is always to best use all support I have to be as contactable, accessible and responsive as I can be.”

Imran Ahmad-Khan, the Conservative MP for Wakefield, has been revealed as the highest ranking MP for spending.

He has spent £45,696 on 63 claims so far this year and his biggest expense has been office costs, with £34,473.52 spent.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor