AMs' expenses published (From Western Telegraph)

AMs' expenses published

5:10pm Saturday 4th July 2009

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Angela Burns, AM for South Pembrokeshire and West Carmarthen, is among the top five highest expense-claiming Assembly Members.

A public online log of AMs’ expenses claims was launched on the Welsh Assembly website on Monday, meaning everyone will be able to see what expenses AMs are claiming.

Mrs Burns claimed a total of £32,227.58, which included travel and office costs, and additional expenses, while fellow Conservative Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies claimed £24,259.38.

Mrs Burns’ staff salaries were £80,557.65, while Mr Davies spent £58,852.

Mr Davies welcomed the fact that AMs’ expenses were available to the public.

He said: “It’s absolutely a good thing. I have always believed that there should be greater transparency in the way public money is spent.

“I’m very pleased that it is now open to scrutiny.”

He added: “I can justify all my expenses.”

Angela Burns AM said: “I fully welcome the fact that our allowances are published every year and hope that it will help to restore public confidence in politics.

“I will be having a permanent link to the pages concerning my allowances on my new website, which will be going live shortly.

“If anyone has any queries concerning any my allowance claims then they can contact me.”

The log can be viewed at www.assembly wales.org/allowances.

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