MP Expenses up 218% in ten years. Thank New Labour for this one.

In 1997 the total maximum expenses claimable by an MP was £50,213. Yet during this prolonged period of low inflation (for which Gordon likes to claim credit) the maximum amount claimable has risen to £159,720.*

A rise of 218% in ten years.
*Not including travel, source: Select Committee on Members Estimate Committee Third Report

Guess that must be Mr Brown's often talked about economic prudence, sadly it is prudence that allows MP's to become ever more out of touch at our expense.

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