RADCLIFFE MP Ivan Lewis claimed below-average expenses for doing his job, according to new figures.
The Labour education minister received £117,517 in allowances for 2003/04, putting him in 363rd place of the country's 659 MPs. The national average was £118,437, and the regional average was around £1,000 more than that. The Bury South MP's total was comprised of housing allowance (£21,907), office costs (£18,774), staff costs (£63,754), personal travel expenses (£7,193), staff travel (£1,467), stationery and postage (£2,443), IT and other costs (£1,979).
As a junior Government minister, he earns a salary of £86,173. Mr Lewis's Bury North counterpart, David Chaytor, was much higher up the league. He claimed £128,053 in expenses, putting him in 151st place. The Labour backbencher's total comprised housing allowance (£20,333), office costs (£18,799), staff costs (£71,773), his own travel expenses (£9,853), staff travel (£937), stationery and postage (£4,392), IT and other costs (£1,966).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article