MPs' Expenses - Evan's Record

10.06.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th May 2009

*Voting Record on pay, expenses and transparency*

Liberal Democrats, including Oxford West MP Dr Evan Harris, have a long record of calling for full transparency of MPs' allowances and for reform of the system. They were the first to call for publication of the expenses under Freedom of Information laws. Dr Harris spoke in opposition to a Conservative back-bench Bill to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information rules.

Evan, like many Lib Dem MPs, has consistently voted for full transparency about MPs' expenses claims, the least generous pension scheme, lower mileage charges, and for MPs not to vote on their own pay.

"No party has a perfect record in this matter, but long before this became a matter of major public interest the Lib Dems in Parliament have overwhelmingly voted for reform. Until now we have been out-voted." says Dr Harris

*Second Home allowance*

Evan says: "Ever since my election 12 years ago, I have always denoted as my main home, my 2 bedroom maisonette in Botley in the heart of my constituency, and my second home to be a one-bedroom flat (and latterly one with a study) within 10 minutes walk of the House of Commons."

Evan has never "flipped" his second home or avoided capital gains tax.

He claims the allowance for the mortgage (interest only), utility bills, service charges, repairs, modest furnishing, cleaning, council tax and food. He has never charged for a new kitchen, new bathroom, lavish furnishings or a plasma screen TV in his London flat.

Evan has spoken during the parliamentary scrutiny stages of more bills and orders than probably any other back-bench MP in recent years and - since business runs until 10pm twice a week and 7pm another two days - he stays late in the House of Commons on many occasions. He serves on two select committees and so has early morning meetings most week-days.

"That is why I often need to stay in London during the week rather than commute on daily basis. However if House business finishes early - unlike some MPs - I will come back to Oxford or Abingdon for evening meetings in the constituency, which is why I also have travel expenses", adds Evan

*Miscellaneous*

Evan has never had any member of his family in paid employment and has never had any significant second income.

"People are right to be angry about what has emerged about some MPs. I consider this job to be a privilege and not an exercise in income generation. I am earning less than I would be if I were still working as a doctor but I recognise that my salary is higher than the vast majority of people, and perfectly adequate."

Update 31st May 2009:

The House of Commons has not yet released the "redacted" version of the expense claims of the four years 2004/5 to 2007/8. The redacted version is a copy of all the allowance claim papers with personal details blacked out, in order to ensure no-one else's personal data or any bank accounts are released. This is to comply with the Data Protection Act. It is this version of the papers that was the subject of the Freedom of Information application which Dr Harris has always supported and voted for compliance with. The Daily Telegraph have a leaked copy of the non-redacted version which they have been using in their investigations and exposures. Until the House of Commons publishes the redacted version, MPs like Dr Harris who have nothing to hide and are keen to publish everything are in a difficult position since they are not covered by the House of Commons' liability for breaches of the DPA if they release an inadequately redacted version, and have not yet been given access by the House of Commons to a corrected, redacted version that they can publish themselves. This will only be available when the House of Commons publishes this in mid-June. To solve the dilemma, Dr Harris has taken the following steps:

1. He has provided a summary of his allowance claims for the four years, and in addition, to maximise transparency, a summary of his 2008/9 claim. (See related links below).

2. He has also handed his entire file to the Oxford Mail for them to pore over, again in the interests of transparency. The offer was made in mid-May and taken up on Wednesday 27th May.

Related Links:

Summary 2004-5 2nd Home Allowance Claim.

Summary 2005-6 2nd Home Allowance Claim.

Summary 2006-7 2nd Home Allowance Claim.

Summary 2007-8 2nd Home Allowance Claim.

Summary 2008-9 2nd Home Allowance Claim.