BOLTON MP David Crausby billed taxpayers almost £600 for a new plasma screen TV, the latest release of MP’s expenses data has revealed.

Parliament yesterday released thousands more receipts for MP’s expenses claims.

They cover the old Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) — the costs claimed by MPs for their second homes — for 2008/09 and the newer Personal Additional Accommodation Expenditure (PAAE), which has replaced the ACA, for April to June this year.

Mr Crausby, who represents Bolton North East, spent £799 at a Comet store buying the TV, a stand and cables in February.

The receipts appear to show Mr Crausby received a free DVD player as part of the entertainment package.

Other claims included in his 2008/09 ACA are £29.99 for a Freeview box, £25.99 for a kettle, £251 for bedding and lamps from TK Maxx and a £419 dishwasher last December.

Last night, Mr Crausby said Sir Thomas Legg, who was tasked with looking at politicians’ individual expenses claims, had said he had no case to answer.

He said: “Sir Thomas looked at them and said everything was OK. This is the last period of the old system, which I have already said was poor.

“The new expenses system is very clear and there is no allowance for home improvements. Now we need to start getting legislation through Parliament to ensure we have a system which is fair and just.”

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly’s receipts showed she claimed almost £200 for gardening, £58 for a set of bedding and £150 for cleaning.

Included in the file is a letter stating that her mortgage was £665 in arrears in March, 2003, but that was because of a system error at the Fees Office which meant they had not made the payment direct to Ms Kelly’s lender.

She said: “Last year, I was informed by the Fees Office that a claim for a mortgage interest payment in 2003 had not been paid due to a system error, and that I should re-submit my claim.

“All payments towards the cost of running my constituency home were made in accordance with the guidelines at the time.”

Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, did not claim for home improvements last year.

However, in the first quarter of the new PAAE, he fell foul of new rules by submitting a claim for £30 worth of parking, which was knocked back by a parliamentary validation officer because it was claimed after new rules came into force on June 1.

andrew.greaves@ theboltonnews.co.uk