WHEN first elected to the Commons as Labour MP for Ipswich at a by-election in 2001, Mr Mole rented a flat.

WHEN first elected to the Commons as Labour MP for Ipswich at a by-election in 2001, Mr Mole rented a flat.

In 2004, he moved to another flat which he had bought in Westminster valued at �218,000 with a variable rate mortgage of �196,174. Under the second homes allowance scheme, he was allowed to claim stamp duty, land registry, local authority search and legal fees.

Along with all MPs, he is entitled to claim the interest only element of the mortgage, utility bills, council tax, telephone, maintenance, repairs, insurance, security and food. He was able to claim a fridge and washer-dryer from the public purse.

However, he ran foul of the fees office in the Commons when he tried to claim �1,100 for an HD television for his new flat and he was granted the maximum of �750.

Mr Mole was reimbursed when he claimed �269.99 for light fittings for his new flat in Westminster. He told the EADT: “Sadly the previous owner was one of those who strip out the light bulbs as they go!”

EXPENSES PAID

2004-5

Mortgage: �11,203.31

Utilities: �384.93

Council tax: �699.10

Telephone: �121.49

Service/maintenance: �1,228.70

Repairs/insurance/security: �216.09

Stamp duty/legal fees: �3,174.13

Mr Mole claimed �479.02 for lighting and electrical equipment, �694.97 for a washer/drier and a fridge, �851.26 for carpeting and furnishings, �380 for a DVD recorder and �121 for a television licence.

Total: �19,554

2005-6

Mortgage : �10,067.09

Food: �600

Utilities: �322.57

Council tax: �558

Telephone: �150.78

Service/maintenance: �1,149.29

Repairs/insurance/security: �193.96

Mr Mole claimed �1,100 for a television. This was not paid because the limit is �750, which was reimbursed. Also �126.50 for a television licence and �34.98 for a light switch.

Total: �13,953.17

2006-7

Mortgage: �11,287.70

Food: �800

Utilities: �398.55

Council tax: �659.00

Telephone: �362.18

Service/maintenance: �1,244.13

Repairs/insurance/security: �174.75

TV licence: �131.50

Total: �15,057.81

2007-8

Mortgage: �12,793.71

Food: �800

Utilities: �365.57

Council tax: �681.68

Telephone: �504.66

Service/maintenance: �2,538.93

Repairs/insurance/security: �152.51

TV Licence: �135.50

Total: �17,972.56

OVERALL TOTAL: �66,527.54