In another part of the paper you will see that our council has finally accepted that burning our rubbish is an acceptable way of avoiding the environmentally damaging landfill. They have signed a 25 year long contract with Cory to take up to 70,000 tonnes of our waste starting 2011.

Sidcup's Outdoor leisure centre

News has been released that the council are going ahead with paid parking on three parts of Sidcup Place presently only one of the few places one can park free of charge whilst engaging in tennis, golf, putting or visiting the gardens or childrens playground.  There has been no public consultation or opposition from residents ward councillors.  

Businesses angry

The Sidcup High Street Promotions Group have repeatedly pointed out that the main issue with our High Street is parking which is contested every time by councillors who, strangely enough are also shoppers.  Now the leading recruitment agency in Sidcup, Betterstaff run by Angela Santos and her staff are organising a petition among traders who are furious with councillors intransigence. They agree with the Promotions Group that smartening up Sidcup will be nice but the council must address the real issue which is parking. The same goes for Welling where traders have been lulled into a false sense of security until the two new superstores open their doors.

Former Leader resigns from GLA

Commenting on the resignation of Ian Clement, Deputy Mayor for Government and External Relations, Jennette Arnold AM, Chair of the London Assembly Business Management and Administration Committee (BMAC) said: “Ian Clement’s repeated misuse of his City Hall credit card was clearly a serious breach of Greater London Authority rules for which he has answered with his job. However, Mr Clement’s resignation cannot be considered an end to the matter. Serious questions remain about how long the misuse of the card continued, apparently undetected, and the type of expenditure that was charged to the GLA without being repaid. These issues will be pursued by Assembly Members at Wednesday’s meeting of BMAC, where we will question the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Sir Simon Milton and GLA Executive Director of Resources Martin Clarke.”

David Evennett on MP's Allowances and Expenses

“I welcome the publication of MP's Allowances and Expenses on the House of Commons website. The public has a right to know how their money is being spent.  I have always tried to keep the cost of running my offices as low as possible, ever mindful that it is Taxpayers' money.  I have endeavoured to keep my constituents advised about my expenses. 

I have been as shocked as anyone at some of the MPs claims that have been reported, especially involving the Additional Costs or second home allowances.  In the twenty-first century and with more family friendly hours at the Commons outer London MPs and those within commutable distance of Westminster should not have been allowed to claim for second homes.

Radical reform is needed of the whole system to restore the electorate's faith in Parliament. A new Speaker will be a start, and I await the Kelly report on reform with interest and hope.

Fact File

ADDITIONAL COSTS ALLOWANCE

I have not claimed for a second home, accommodation or food. 

TRAVEL

I commute to Westminster by car or train. 

OFFICE EXPENSES (INCIDENTAL EXPENSES PROVISION)The claims were made for facilities and equipment used exclusively in pursuit of, and in connection with, my duties as an MP.

My claims for office expenses (IEP) over the period 2005/8 are among the lowest 20 claimants out of 646 MPs and are used to ensure a good service to my constituents, to be able to represent my constituency, and to be able to run efficient and effective offices.  The largest expense (£600 a month) has been the cost of my local office (rent, services, equipment, facilities).  I work here on a Friday, during Parliamentary Recesses, and hold local meetings and Surgeries.  I purchase the services of the House of Commons Parliamentary Research Unit (which provides extra research material and information).  I have claimed around £50 a week Petty Cash for the Offices’ general costs (computer paper and ink cartridges, box files, mobile phones, postage, stationery, Data Protection Registration, specialist publications, office equipment, etc). 

CURRENT STAFF

Cynthia Evans (Secretary/PA), Matthew Scott (Research/Parliamentary Assistant), Aneeka Patel (Case Worker).  

I was pleased to be named 13th best value MP by the Sunday Telegraph 2007/8, and to be among the lowest 20 claimant MPs by the Sunday Times for the period 2005/8.