Finances

During 2007 I called down a little under the full secretarial allowance. This was used to pay five assistants (one part-time) and the charges of the firm of accountants that administers my pay roll. None of my assistants is a family member.

At present MEPs' salaries are the same as that of their national MPs. From the beginning of the next Parliament in July 2009, an MEPs' Statute has been agreed under which MEPs will be paid the same salary - at a rate of 38.5% of the salarly of a judge of the European Court of Justice. Adjustments to taxation, expenses and pensions will take place at that stage.

MEPs receive a daily subsistence allowance for official attendance on Parliamentary duties. In 2007 I received €31,667. In addition, I have my costs of travel from home to work, and elsewhere on official business, reimbursed on the basis of distance. Actual travel has to be proven. In 2007 I received €50,995.

After my travel costs and those of a rented flat in Brussels and hotel accommodation in Strasbourg have been covered, I transfer money into a separate account, which is used to fund an intern programme, assistants travel to Strasbourg, office petty cash in Brussels and research services.

I am not a member of the additional voluntary pension scheme.

The general expenditure accounts 2007 are currently in the process of being audited. The following sums are therefore only provisional, to be set against income of £31,929.

Constituency Office Expenditure 2007.

Allowance Guidance Notes.