"The European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) supports the reforms being introduced by the European Parliament. These rotten apples are giving the rest of us a bad name."
UK Labour MEPs Parliamentary Expenditure
Gary Titley, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "Since 2000, British Labour MEPs have all their office and staff expenditure reviewed by an independent auditor, who then submits a report to the European Parliamentary Labour Party. I am calling on my colleagues from all political parties to follow this example."
Parliamentary expenditure by all British Labour MEPs is controlled by the Parliament´s Authorities. Before payment for staff can be authorised or reimbursed, signed contracts have to be submitted for approval to the Parliament's Fees Office. At the end of each year MEPs have to submit a detailed account of amounts paid and to whom, including a declaration that all national insurance and tax obligations have been fulfilled.
Above this, the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) introduced in 2000 a requirement that all Members have their Office and Staffing expenditure reviewed by an independent auditor, who then submits a report to the EPLP. That report must state that all tax, national insurance and pension contributions have been paid and that the expenditure incurred complies with the Parliament's rules. The Auditors report has to be presented to the EPLP by 31st March.
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.
European Parliamentary Labour Party, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, 1047 BRUSSELS, Belgium -
Tel: 00 32 2 28 43736 Fax: 00 32 2 28 49061
