Chesterfield MP donating money to charities after feeling ‘uneasy’ over expenses claim

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has promised to donate money to two local charities – after he said an expenses claim he received ‘sat uneasily’ with him.
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According to national media reports over the weekend, Mr Perkins claimed £345 for electricity last year.

After being contacted by the Derbyshire Times about the matter, he said: “Having been informed by Parliamentary standards that MPs would be reimbursed for additional costs accrued when working at home, I submitted the claim in September which was paid in line with the rules of the scheme.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins.Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins.
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“However, as this pandemic has continued to deteriorate over the winter and I have seen the many ways in which Chesterfield people are really struggling, this payment sits uneasily with me by comparison to the experiences of my constituents.

“I will therefore be making an equivalent payment to two local charities – ones involved in health and poverty alleviation – and will confirm the specific details as soon as arrangements can be made.”

According to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), MPs are allowed to claim for additional energy bills, classed as ‘office costs’.

They can charge taxpayers for utility bills for their main residence and constituency office as long as the claims ‘relate to parliamentary activity’.

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IPSA figures show Derbyshire MPs in our circulation area claimed just over £100,000 in expenses over the last year.

- Robert Largan, Conservative MP for High Peak, claimed £25,666.71

- Mark Fletcher, Conservative MP for Bolsover, claimed £14,542.57

- Maggie Throup, Conservative MP for Erewash, claimed £11,922.13

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- Pauline Latham, Conservative MP for Mid Derbyshire, claimed £11,649.07

- Toby Perkins, Labour MP for Chesterfield, claimed £10,819.65

- Sarah Dines, Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, claimed £10,812.38

- Lee Rowley, Conservative MP for North East Derbyshire, claimed £8,731.70

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- Nigel Mills, Conservative MP for Amber Valley, claimed £6,743.03

John O'Connell, chief executive of right-wing pressure group the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “While MPs must have the resources to do their jobs, many taxpayers will be worried about the growing price of politics.

“The electorate expects politicians to stay grounded and keep costs under control, including the home working expenses that most people simply have to absorb themselves.”

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.