MP amazed at expenses claims
Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor, who has the lowest expenses bill in the region, admits he often cannot be bothered submitting claims for minor outgoings.
Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor, who has the lowest expenses bill in the region, admits he often cannot be bothered submitting claims for minor outgoings.
He says he is "amazed" at what some MPs claim as expenses.
He never submits mileage claims because he says his tight-knit constituency in the Wyre Forest district means he only travels a few miles to meetings and functions.
While many MPs have been left trying to defend huge bills, the Independent Health Concern leader, who was also the lowest claimant in 2006 to 2007, claimed a total of £81,170, excluding travel.
In 2006/07 he was ranked 627th out of 645 members, claiming just £102,225, including travel. In the previous year he ranked 634th when he claimed £98,564 including travel.
He says his biggest costs are for staff which he "cannot do without". Dr Taylor has a full-time member of staff in London and a part-time helper in Kidderminster.
He said: "My accommodation is high. I rent a flat in London which costs £19,000-a-year.
"I do claim train fares but use a senior citizens rail card whenever I can to cuts the cost.
"The only letter I have received complaining of expenses was from someone saying that because I was claiming so little I could not possibly be doing the job properly," he added.
