Russell costs you less than other MPs
March 31, 2009 12:00 AM
With housing costs for MPs attracting a lot of attention, figures published today by the House of Commons reveal that Colchester MP Bob Russell has submitted the lowest claim in the whole of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk - considerably less than half the maximum available.
Liberal Democrat Mr Russell claimed a total of £10,963 for the financial year April 2007 to March 2008. The maximum is £23,083, a figure which was claimed by five Essex MPs including Conservatives Bernard Jenkin (North Essex), Douglas Carswell (Harwich) and John Whittingdale (Maldon and Chelmsford East). Braintree Tory Brooks Newmark claimed £20,000 while the maximum £23,083 was also claimed by South Suffolk Tory MP Tim Yeo.
Asked why his housing costs in London were so much lower than other MPs from across the region, Mr Russell said: "I do not lead a lavish life and I am particularly mindful that this is money provided by the public to assist me in my work in London as an MP. I share a very modest flat with another MP, frankly I have seen better furnished student accommodation, and between us our combined costs are still less than the maximum which many individual MPs are claiming. That is a matter for them. My conscience is clear.
"All I need is a bed for the night, somewhere to go to late and leave early in the morning to get to the House of Commons three miles away where I regularly put in a 15-hour day. I have no necessity for anything grander than this."
Mr Russell added that he would be more than happy if Parliament provided accommodation for MPs similar to the new Merville Barracks. "I am sure it would work out a lot cheaper, and if MPs wanted something more than this then they should not expect the public purse to foot the bill."
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