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MSP expenses claims fall by £500,000 MSP expenses claims fall by £500,000
(about 1 hour later)
Expenses claims made by MSPs have fallen by more than half-a-million pounds in the last year, according to the latest official figures.Expenses claims made by MSPs have fallen by more than half-a-million pounds in the last year, according to the latest official figures.
The total for 2012-13 came to £12,261,819, a decrease of £557,016.The total for 2012-13 came to £12,261,819, a decrease of £557,016.
Holyrood bosses said the fall reflected higher one-off costs during the Scottish Parliament election year in 2011 and an on-going pay freeze.Holyrood bosses said the fall reflected higher one-off costs during the Scottish Parliament election year in 2011 and an on-going pay freeze.
MSP Liam McArthur - who represents the far-flung Orkney constituency - was the highest claimant. MSP Liam McArthur - who represents the far-flung Orkney constituency - had the highest bill, with claims of £46,931.
The public can look at the claims made by their local MSP through the Scottish Parliament's search facility.The public can look at the claims made by their local MSP through the Scottish Parliament's search facility.
A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: "The decrease in expenses of more than half-a-million pounds is a reflection of one-off election costs in the previous year, but also that 2012-13 represented year two of a two year pay and expenses freeze for MSPs."A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: "The decrease in expenses of more than half-a-million pounds is a reflection of one-off election costs in the previous year, but also that 2012-13 represented year two of a two year pay and expenses freeze for MSPs."