North MPs spent thousands on gadgets

Jun 24 2009 by William Green, The Journal

NORTH MPs spent tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money on gadgets and mobile phone calls.

Newcastle councillor Ron Beadle blasted some expenses as “offensive” as it emerged that new Commons Speaker John Bercow claimed £131.87 for a raspberry-coloured digital camera.

Gateshead MP Sharon Hodgson claimed for a £518.04 Olympus digital camera in December 2007 after buying a £179.89 Sony camera in April 2006.

Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn claimed for three digital cameras each costing hundreds of pounds within just four years and other costly “equipment”.

Hundreds of pounds was also claimed for up to nine telephone lines via his office expenses.

Tyne Bridge’s David Clelland spent more than £6,000 on electronic equipment using his office allowance between 2004-05 and 2007-08, including a high-tech mobile phone/personal digital assistant (PDA), a charge kit and memory card for £670.82 in June 2007.

A £329 “replacement” electronic personal organiser was claimed in April 2006, along with a £1,400 laptop in March 2007. In June 2006, Mr Clelland claimed £386 for removal and installation of a hands-free car phone. A £211.50 bill was submitted for removal of a car phone bracket and bluetooth in March 2005.

Over four years, Mr Clelland claimed around £10,000 for mobile phone bills - with annual bills topping £2,000.

But former Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn claimed £7,707.81 in mobile calls in just one year. One claim alone was £809.55 between 2007-08.

Newcastle Liberal Democrat councillor Ron Beadle said: “Some of these claims are extraordinary and offensive.

“And if MPs were spending their own money, they would clearly be able to find cheaper alternatives.”

Mr Clelland said there were four phones in his office and a SIM card in his laptop – which allows the user to go online – so staff were contactable around the clock. Claims for mobile phone kits were made because he changed cars, while other bills were submitted over several years as technology improved.

Mr Clelland added: “I don’t think the costs of running my office are out of line with any other MP.” Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn said: “Good communications and constituency casework are a vital part of the work of a public representative.”

He keeps a digital camera in his Jarrow and Commons offices to record meetings, for example, with constituents and other public events.

“A photo is often more striking than a thousand words and as such photos are used in pressing the interests of my constituents be they about traffic hazards or badly kept public facilities,” he said.

He added one camera replaced another that stolen while on a Parliamentary delegation. On telephone usage, Mr Hepburn said he has a fax line and four lines for each office member in Jarrow until one was removed recently.

Mrs Hodgson said she claimed for equipment used by her office, adding she needed photos taking in Parliament and in the constituency.

Computer equipment was used in her constituency office and whilst traveling, so she could work on the train.

“I’ll say again what I have said all along. I’ve not sought to make any money from my claims, simply cover costs which I have made an effort to try and keep reasonable,” added the Labour MP.

Mr Milburn could not be reached for comment.

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