MP to put expense claims on-line
Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor – who has the lowest expenses claims in the region – is to publish them on-line in the wake of the national allowances scandal.
Dr Taylor says he hopes that the bold move will help make the system more transparent to the voting public.
He has also called for the £25 a day food allowance for MPs to be abolished.
It comes as the former Kidderminster hospital consultant was named as one of the "saints" in the scandal, with a claim of £270,962 between 2005 and 2008.
It made him the 10th lowest claimant nationally for the three years. He does not submit mileage claims because he says his constituency in the Wyre Forest district means he only travels a few miles to meetings and functions.
While many MPs have been trying to defend huge bills, the Independent Health Concern leader claimed a total of £81,170 excluding travel.
In 2006 to 2007 he was ranked 627th out of 645 members, claiming just £102,225, including travel.
The previous year he ranked 634th when he claimed £98,564 including travel. His total costs between 2005 and 2008 total £270,961 excluding travel, compared to Liam Byrne in Birmingham Hodge HIll who claimed £478,536.
Dr Taylor has said his biggest cost is for staff which he "cannot do without" and has a full-time member in London and part-time helper in Kidderminster.
He rents a flat in London costing £19,000-a-year but although he claims train fares wherever possible uses his senior citizens rail card.
Dr Taylor said: "I do have a flat in London but do not claim for heating, lighting or television. It is ridiculous that MPs can claim £25-a-day food allowance. This should be abolished."
Dr Taylor says that MPs should have to submit expenses to be justified.
