David Smith

In the light of all the the present exposures over MPs expenses I thought it was important to explain what I am able to claim.

1. I claim mileage to attend meetings at an agreed rate per mile.

2. I attend the LGA Conference (last year in Bournemouth) for this we have a set allowance for Hotel and out of pocket expenses. Last year the cost of Hotels exceeded the allowance and I met the extra cost.

3. As leader of Lichfield District Council I sit on a number of Local Government Boards and working groups, most of these meet in London these average around 2/3 each Month, for these I recover the actual cost against receipts, in almost all cases I travel by Tube and not Taxies.

3. Where I receive entertainment I pay for any tickets personally to avoid any conflict of interest. 

4 I do not benefit from any living allowances and my special responsibility allowance is a matter of public record on the Councils web site.

5. I have renounced my right to receive any increase in special responsibility allowances for the next financial year.