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13/10/2009

Durham MP's expenses fully approved in review

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In Sir Thomas Legg's review of the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) system, Roberta Blackman-Woods MP's claims have been fully approved and accepted.

Sir Thomas wrote in his letter that he had examined the MP's records and had not identified any payments made under the ACA which he considers call for repayment or further supporting evidence. 

Roberta said

 

"I have always been open and honest about the expenses I claim in order to do my job.  I believe all my claims are reasonable, and I am very pleased that Sir Thomas has agreed with that assessment in his review.

  

"It is right that parliament tries to put right the expenses system which has caused such scandal.  That is why I have voted in favour of opening up the system, why I have had details of my expenses online for years, and why I opened up my un-redacted receipts and expense claim forms to the press.

  

"This matter needs dealing with as a matter of utmost urgency because MPs need to be focussed on getting the country's economy back on track and holding the Government to account as soon as possible.  I am hopeful that Sir Christopher Kelly will report soon so that we can implement a new system for future years which will have the confidence of the public.

 

"I do hope that Sir Thomas Legg's approval of my claims will now stop the Liberal Democrats from circulated lies about me on this issue.  I have never voted to keep MPs' expenses secret; on the contrary I want them to be as open as possible, which is why all the details are on my website.

 

"Indeed, my openness stands in complete contrast to the Lib Dems.  When they ran the City Council they failed to publish councillors' declaration of interests on the council's website, and their parliamentary spokesperson wrote in the paper she had received absolutely nothing when in fact she claimed around £30,000 for being a councillor.

 

"These lies must stop now."

 

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