MPs expenses hit new record high

In the Black Country, south Staffordshire and Wyre Forest, £724,998.35 was claimed between 19 MPs.

Nationally, spending is now higher than in the run-up to the scandal that rocked Westminster in 2009.

Most of the increase was down to larger staffing budgets – but the cost of MPs' personal expenses also rose from £23.5m in 2011-12 to £23.8m last year.

But the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority claimed it had saved the taxpayer £35m since it took over the expenses system in 2010.

David Winnick, MP for Walsall North, was one of the lowest claiming MPs receiving £19,478 over the past year.

He said: "I make it a point never to comment on other people's expenses. I just try to provide a good service with staff to help with constituents' difficulties."

The lowest claiming MP in the Black Country was long serving Tory Sir Richard Shepherd, who represents Aldridge-Brownhills. Figures show he claimed £15,152.84 over the past year.

Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley got £61,487.04, including £23,063.85 for running his constituency office.

Mr Burley said: "My accommodation and travel costs are lower than many other MPs. I employ three local full time staff in Cannock. That's an investment in the local economy.

"I also have a former shop in the centre of the town where people can come for advice. I have to pay business rates on this."

Tory MP for Wyre Forest Mark Garnier claimed £52,392.56 while Labour MP for West Bromwich East Tom Watson claimed £52,101.89.

West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson said: "The vast majority of my expenses were for the costs of running the offices in London and West Bromwich."

South Staffordshire Conservative Gavin Williamson claimed £49,790.99.

Nationally the largest claims in 2012/13 were from Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party, who received £100,204.

One MP, Tory Zac Goldsmith made no claim, while business minister Michael Fallon received just £38.74 and Adam Afriyie got £604.20. Mr Afriyie is seen as a potential challenger to David Cameron for the Tory leadership.

TaxPayers' Alliance chief executive Matthew Sinclair said: "MPs should get reasonable office and staff support to assist them in their important work representing constituents at Westminster, but these costs must be kept under control.

"Taxpayers want to know they are getting value for money and they will have serious concerns about there being a hike in the overall cost of running MPs' offices over the last 12 months."

MPs defend seven per cent rise for expenses claims - See today's Express & Star