How much did Sidmouth’s MP cost the taxpayer in 2021/22?

Conservative MP Simon Jupp was paid an £81.9k salary and claimed £218.6k in expenses in the 2021/22 financial year, according to data from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

All MPs were paid a basic salary of £81.9k, with some given additional income. 

The East Devon MP's expenses put him slightly above the average amount claimed of £209.1k.

This year has been Mr Jupp's most expensive to date, with £218.6k claimed in 2021/22, and £209.5k in 2020/21. (That said, Mr Jupp only has two full financial years to compare since he was elected in December 2019).

He has also been spending more than his predecessor in the East Devon constituency Hugo Swire (now The Lord Swire), who spent for example £179.5k in 2018/19, £165.7k in 2017/18, and £165.8k in 2016/17. 

Expenses breakdown

Staffing was Mr Jupp's biggest expense, followed by office costs and accommodation.

The East Devon MP consistently spent under budget. Broken down by type, expenses were:

• Staffing £176.6k (from a budget of £204.3k)
• Office costs £22.6k (from a budget of £27.4k)
• Accommodation £13.8k (from a budget of £23.2k)
• MP travel £4.6k 
• Staff travel £0.7k

"I am acutely aware of the need to provide value for money for the taxpayer" - Simon Jupp MP

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said: "The amount I spend employing a small team, running my constituency office, getting to and from London and accommodation when Parliament is sitting remains under budget.

"Since becoming the MP in 2019, I have created three jobs based in East Devon and opened a dedicated constituency office in Exmouth, which is an additional cost compared with other MPs.

"Having such an office allows me to provide the best possible service to the constituents I'm proud to serve.

"I hold regular surgeries at the office and have met hundreds of local people who asked for my help.

"I am acutely aware of the need to provide value for money for the taxpayer and that is why I do not claim for everything I can under existing rules.

"It is important to note the vast majority of my budget therefore covers the salaries for my small, dedicated team."