Paul Rowen MP - 2005/2006 Expenses

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen claimed £147,243 in expenses in 2005/06, this included £4,609 in postage, £1,036 in computer equipment and £75,053, on staff.  Paul’s claim was 40th out of all the MP’s – many of the top spenders were new MP’s getting their offices set up.

Paul said: “This represents real value for money, the amount of money has gone down by nearly £9,000 and we have set up a staffed office that has made a real impact into how I do my job as Member of Parliament - many new MP’s feature highly in the table for this reason.  I employ a researcher in London, a secretary, caseworker and an office manager/organiser in Rochdale.  I am delighted that these figures are in the public domain and I hope that people realise how hard we work.”

Paul’s claim is over £500 cheaper than established Oldham East and Saddleworth Government Minister Phil Woolas MP but over £25,000 more expensive than Jim Dobbin MP in Heywood and Middleton who claimed £121,467.  Paul said: “I didn’t criticise the previous Rochdale MP, Lorna Fitzsimons, huge claims, although it’s pretty obvious why she spent nearly £20,000 on postage – but we move on.  I continually strive to provide value for money for the people in Rochdale.”