MSP SECURITY BILL UP 30%
EXPENSES CLAIMS RISE TO £17m
Worried politicians increase safety measures
SECURITY spending in MSPs’ offices rose by more than 30 per cent in a year amid growing fears for the safety of politicians.
It follows terror attacks at Westminster and the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.
The security bill rise emerged in end-of-year expenses for the country’s 129 MSPs.
Overall, they claimed nearly £17million in taxpayers’ cash in the financial year 2018-19 – up about four per cent on the previous year.
Spending on security arrangements and training increased from £46,636 to £63,808. A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: “The 2017 Westminster attacks and Jo Cox’s death made us all look again at members’ safety and, regrettably, the threat that elected representatives face on a day to day basis.
“Over the last three years, the Parliament’s corporate body has funded security enhancements to 106 MSPs’ offices based on police advice. It has also made available lone worker devices for members and their staff.”
Beyond security expenses, the figures show the cost of employing staff and running local offices rose by £633,125 to £16.2million.
MSPs claimed £219,819.85 on car hire and vehicle mileage, compared with £78,266.91 for public transport.
Green co-convener Patrick Harvie claimed the most in expenses of any party leader last year at £29,023.99
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard claimed £27,024.74 and the figure for Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie was £26,718.09.
SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon claimed £12,900.81.