MP expenses for Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham have been published on everything from dictaphones to hotel stays
13:00, 14 May 2015
MP's expenses have been published on everything from dictaphones and ink cartridges to hotel stays.
Of Medway’s three MPs Chatham’s Tracey Couch accumulated the most expenses.
Rochester’s MP Mark Reckless, who was usurped by Kelly Tolhurst during the elections earlier this month, racked up the least.
The figures are from the latest publication by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, and show claims processed in December 2014 and January 2015.
Each MP had usual costs in office rent and telephone bills. Ms Crouch spent the most here, but her rent stretched from December to March 2015.
The British taxpayer also funded £1,500 worth of stationery and publishing for the trio and it was Rehman Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham, who splashed the cash more than his neighbouring MPs here.
There were a few little extras paid for too. Mr Reckless had internet access put on his iPad, Ms Crouch rented a room for a surgery in Snodland and Mr Chishti bought a voice recorder for £66.17.
But MPs trips up to Westminister to represent the constituencies in the House of Commons cost the most.
Early starts and late nights mean MPs often stay overnight in a nearby hotel.
For 15 stays between November and January, Ms Crouch spent £2,150.
Mr Chishti spent £766.80.
Mr Reckless did not claim any hotel stays, but did tot up £45.30 in train travel between Westminster and Rochester.
For the full expenses breakdown see below. To check back on past expenses from any MP visit www.parliamentary-standards.org.uk.
Mark Reckless
Constituency office telephone:£128.56
Constituency office rent: £650
Mobile internet for iPad: £10
Train travel between Westminster and Rochester: £45.30
Driving between Rochester London: £27.90
Stationery: £131.95
Office Insurance: £220.87
Publishing and Printing: £335
TOTAL: £1,529.58
Tracey Crouch
Constituency office telephone: £73.67
Constituency office rent December to March: £2,646
Venue hire for Snodland surgery: £12.50
Stationery inc. ink cartridges and banners: £338.58
Hotels: £2,150
TOTAL: £5,220.75
Rehman Chishti
Constituency office telephone: £149.44
Constituency office rent: £750
Stationery Purchase inc. ink cartridges and banners: £555.44
Hotels: £766.80
Shredding case work: £44.40
Philips Voice Recorder: £66.17
Bill for Fire Service Inspection/Maintenance: £84.54
Train travel to Westminister: £13
TOTAL: £2,428.79