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Allowances user guide and database

Third quarter of MSPs' expenses published online

076/2006 | 5 October 2006 

Taking another step forward in its commitment to fuller disclosure of MSP allowances expenditure, the Scottish Parliament has today published the third quarter of expenses claimed of 2005/2006.

Members of the public will now be able to view online expenses that their elected representatives have claimed from 1 April 2005 to 31 December 2005 in order to enable them to carry out their parliamentary duties.

Through internet access, members of the public will be able to view and search online MSPs' claims and accompanying receipts in respect of allowances claimed while carrying out par liam entary duties.

It is not possible at this stage to compare meaningfully the claims made so far on allowances, particularly as Members incur costs at different times of the year.

Background

The easy to use search tool allows the public to search for specific information by using any combination of four selection criteria:

•  By selecting one or more MSPs.

•  By selecting the allowance type; whether it is all allowances, some, or just one. This would include allowance types such as Edinburgh Accommodation, Members' Support and Members' Travel.

•  By selecting the expenditure type claimed under each allowance type; all, some, or just one. This could include searching by motor mileage claims, utilities costs or rented accommodation costs.

•  By selecting the relevant Claim Month or range of Claim Months.

Online information is not provided on matters such as personal security, bank details or data on third parties.

A User Guide is available on the website to provide background on each of the allowances; to give the rates for 2005/06 and to explain how to use the on-line allowances search facility.

Link to the allowances database:

http://mspallowances.scottish.parliament.uk/MSPAllowances/

Link to the User Guide:

For further information, the Scottish Parliament media contact is:

Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265
RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk