29/09/2009
MLAs' Expenses Revealed
Nearly £8m was claimed in expenses by Northern Ireland's 108 MLAs during the last financial year.
More than £2.5m has already been claimed since April 2009, it was also revealed.
According to figures released yesterday, SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey was the highest claimant at Stormont between 2008/09.
His expenses topped £95,000, although £11,000 of this was related to disability allowance following a hip replacement.
The lowest claimant, Gregory Campbell, had expenses of £37,000.
David Simpson, and Peter and Iris Robinson were also among those making the smallest claims.
MPs generally had lesser outgoings due to the Westminster allowances provided to run their offices.
DUP Minister Arlene Foster, UUP Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy, Sinn Fein's Raymond McCartney and Tom Elliott of the UUP had the most significant Stormont claims.
Between April and July this year SDLP Minister Margaret Richie has claimed £39,000, making her the highest claimant so far.
A spokesperson for the South Down MLA said she had incurred "exceptional" costs after a member of staff fell ill.
A new employee was hired to cover the work, while sick pay was simultaneously being paid out.
MLAs travelling from rural constituencies, close to the border, continue to be the biggest claimants.
(PR/BMcC)
More than £2.5m has already been claimed since April 2009, it was also revealed.
According to figures released yesterday, SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey was the highest claimant at Stormont between 2008/09.
His expenses topped £95,000, although £11,000 of this was related to disability allowance following a hip replacement.
The lowest claimant, Gregory Campbell, had expenses of £37,000.
David Simpson, and Peter and Iris Robinson were also among those making the smallest claims.
MPs generally had lesser outgoings due to the Westminster allowances provided to run their offices.
DUP Minister Arlene Foster, UUP Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy, Sinn Fein's Raymond McCartney and Tom Elliott of the UUP had the most significant Stormont claims.
Between April and July this year SDLP Minister Margaret Richie has claimed £39,000, making her the highest claimant so far.
A spokesperson for the South Down MLA said she had incurred "exceptional" costs after a member of staff fell ill.
A new employee was hired to cover the work, while sick pay was simultaneously being paid out.
MLAs travelling from rural constituencies, close to the border, continue to be the biggest claimants.
(PR/BMcC)
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23 October 2009
Further Stormont Expenses Revealed
Many of Northern Ireland MLAs still claimed office expenses during the suspension of devolution, it has been revealed. Details of claims made by Assembly members between 2003 and 2008 have been published for the first time, and show most continued to receive the maximum £48,000 for office costs.
Further Stormont Expenses Revealed
Many of Northern Ireland MLAs still claimed office expenses during the suspension of devolution, it has been revealed. Details of claims made by Assembly members between 2003 and 2008 have been published for the first time, and show most continued to receive the maximum £48,000 for office costs.
26 November 2014
Police To Investigate MLAs Expenses
A police investigation is to be carried out into allegations of "potential criminality" in MLAs expenses. It follows a BBC Spotlight investigation, which revealed that almost £700,000 has been claimed in expenses by Sinn Féin MLAs "for research", however, the programme was unable to find any evidence of research being carried out.
Police To Investigate MLAs Expenses
A police investigation is to be carried out into allegations of "potential criminality" in MLAs expenses. It follows a BBC Spotlight investigation, which revealed that almost £700,000 has been claimed in expenses by Sinn Féin MLAs "for research", however, the programme was unable to find any evidence of research being carried out.
25 February 2002
Assembly Members' expenses run to £4m a year
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly claimed nearly £4 million in office and travel expenses in the financial year ending in April 2000. Details of expenses among the province's 108 assembly members (MLAs) for the year 1999/2000 have been published on the assembly's website.
Assembly Members' expenses run to £4m a year
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly claimed nearly £4 million in office and travel expenses in the financial year ending in April 2000. Details of expenses among the province's 108 assembly members (MLAs) for the year 1999/2000 have been published on the assembly's website.
24 February 2011
Suspended Prison Term For Fraudster
Nine people were convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to - with one handed a jail term. Colin McGookin (52) of Sheringhurst Park, Belfast claimed Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance totalling £25,168 while failing to declare employment.
Suspended Prison Term For Fraudster
Nine people were convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to - with one handed a jail term. Colin McGookin (52) of Sheringhurst Park, Belfast claimed Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance totalling £25,168 while failing to declare employment.
16 February 2011
Benefit Frauds Face Court Sanctions
Fraudsters are being made to pay the price for claiming a variety of benefits they were not entitled to. A total of 14 people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday with Joanne McBride (35) of Portallo Street, Belfast claiming Income Support totalling £4,451 while failing to declare she was working.
Benefit Frauds Face Court Sanctions
Fraudsters are being made to pay the price for claiming a variety of benefits they were not entitled to. A total of 14 people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday with Joanne McBride (35) of Portallo Street, Belfast claiming Income Support totalling £4,451 while failing to declare she was working.
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