Paddy Tipping's Expenses

All MPs' expenses claims have now been released, so it can now be revealed that for 03-04, Paddy Tipping claimed £118,858 in expenses. (Presumably prior to the Freedom of Information Act which required their release, this had been kept Top Secret in case the Russkies got their hands on this sensitive material).

The breakdown of this is as follows:

1. Additional Costs Allowance
   Basically this is to pay for staying in London. He claimed £11,790 out of a possible £20,333
   
2. London Supplement
   For London MPs only. Obviously he doesn't qualify for this.
   
3. Incidental Expenses Provision
   To pay for other costs associated with office and surgery. He went right up to the limit here, claiming the maximum £18,799
   
4. Staffing allowance
   This came to £63,704. The maximum allowance is £64,273-£74,985 depending on staff based in London.
   
5. Members' Travel
   At £15,358, this looks pretty steep, particularly as it only covers UK and some European travel. However, at today's amazingly high rail prices, this would only buy 168 standard class open return train tickets between Nottingham and London.
   
6. Staff Travel
   A mere £301 as a maximum of 18 journeys are allowed.
   
7. Stationery, Postage and IT
   These came to £2,149, £6,064 and £693 respectively. Postage costs indicate that Paddy sends about double the average MP.
   

Spreadsheet of all MPs expenses

Explanation of categories