Caroline Flint's statement on
MPs' administrative allowances




7 July 2008

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint said: "I am in favour of a set of reforms to the system of MPs' allowances that can command public confidence but did not believe that the proposals put before the House of Commons were the right ones.

"I supply invoices and receipts for all household bills and office expenditure. I wouldn't dream of purchasing non-essential or luxury goods, and I had never heard of the 'John Lewis List' until it was reported in the media. As a backbencher, I used public transport and haven't claimed a taxi fare in my whole time as an MP.

"I firmly believe MPs who abuse the system should be made to repay every penny and in the past have been treated too leniently.

"I hope that a new set of proposals which will command the support of MPs and the public will be put before the House as soon as possible."

MPs' pay: Ms Flint supported a 0% rise in Ministerial pay and supported a 2.25% rise in MPs' salaries. She backed the Government's rejection of the Baker Review's recommendation for 3.5%+£650 increase in MPs' salaries. Caroline rejected the proposed "catch-up payments" (an additional £650 for three years) to reflect where MPs' pay had fallen behind comparable groups.

Ms Flint does not agree with MPs' voting on their own pay and therefore welcomes the tying of MPs' salaries to the pay of public sector professionals, such as teachers, NHS staff, police and prison officers.

MPs' allowances: Ms Flint's office and accommodation invoices are currently validated by the House of Commons. The validation procedures are checked annually by the National Audit Office. Ms Flint employs three staff, including her husband Phil, who are all based in her constituency office in Auckley.