MP explains his expenses

Friday, 15 May 2009

MP Colin Breed this week explained his expenses claim for £138,000 – as many colleagues from all parties were engulfed in the scandal that has rocked Westminster.
Mr Breed, the Lib-Dem Mp for south east Cornwall, said: ‘I claim for what I spend – and that’s it.’
However, he had harsh words for colleagues caught up in the national newspaper headlines and TV bulletins. ‘If it embarrasses people then that’s too bad. Everybody has got to be responsible for their own actions,’ he said.
‘We’ve been calling for the system to be changed for some time now.’
Mr Breed claimed £17,807 for the controversial second homes allowance, out of a maximum allowable £23,000.
He pointed out that he has lived in the same London flat for a number of years.
His expenses total, which is ranked at 426th out of the 645 MPs, includes £12,343 for travel which. although his constituency home is far away from London, is lower than many.
‘It’s getting cheaper – I qualify for a railcard now!’ he said.
The total also includes around £10,000 for communications, £74,000 for staffing and £19,000 for office costs.

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