MP expenses documents show ups and downs

EXPENSES claims by Highland MP Ian Blackford increased last year, while area colleague Drew Hendry’s dropped, according to figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

Mr Blackford – who represents Ross, Skye and Lochaber and is the SNP group leader in Westminster – claimed £252,944.94 in 2018-19, up from £240,561.89 for the previous 12 months.

He claimed more for office costs, accommodation and travel last year compared to the year before, while his claim for staffing dropped by just over £750.

Meanwhile, Mr Hendry – who is also an SNP MP and represents Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey – claimed £227,092.43 in 2018/19, down from £235,135.93 for the year before.

His receipts for staffing, accommodation and travel were all lower last year than the previous 12 months, while his office costs and miscellaneous expenses increased.

This year is the 11th anniversary of the MPs’ expenses scandal that led to IPSA’s creation.

To see details on all MPs’ expenses, visit https://bit.ly/2nob0Z5

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