MP's expenses top £117,000

A report published last Friday revealed the Conservative backbencher spent 117,760 in allowances and expenses for the past year - 9,273 more than in 2002/2003.

In total MPs claimed 78m in expenses last year - an average of 118,437 each on top of their basic salary of 57,485 and generous pension provision .

The sums were disclosed in figures published 'as a significant step towards openness and accountability'.

Mr Barker cited the need for professional staff as the reason behind the increase.

It is the first time the operating expenses for MPs have been published and comes before clauses under the Freedom of Information Act come into effect early next year.

The figures for the Bexhill and Battle MP are relatively middling when compared to other Members of Parliament for the region, though the county average stands at 115,032. The national figure is just under 118,500.

Mr Barker's largest set of expenses derive from the Additional Cost Allowance (20,333) - reimbursing members for costs incurred when staying away from home on parliamentary duties - and the employment of his staff (71,117).

Mr Barker said: "My constituents are entitled to see how their money is being used.

"However to provide the service people expect of their Member these days requires a professional staff to assist with constituency casework and local issues and that has pushed up office costs in recent years.

"Tthe system could certainly be simplified so that it is clearer what forms some element of our remuneration, against the lions share of the overall figure which is expended entirely on office costs and staff salaries."