Keynsham's MP cost taxpayers almost £90,000 last year

Details of the business costs and expenses of Westminster politicians for 2011/12 have been published in an annual summary by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

The total for Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, whose North East Somerset seat includes Keynsham, was £89,787.95.

In comparison Bath's Lib Dem MP Don Foster's business costs and expenses came to £154,411.04. And in neighbouring Kingswood Conservative MP Chris Skidmore's total was £145,439.97.

This total includes the bill for staffing, running of constituency offices, and general administration, such as office equipment and stationery.

Figures are also published for parliamentary expenses on accommodation for living in London during the week, and travel and subsistence costs.

Sir Ian Kennedy, chairman of IPSA, explaining the annual publication of MPs spending, said: "You can see how much is spent on staff, on renting offices, on travel and so on. And you can also see if an MP employs a family member of other 'connected party'.

"In short, we are delivering genuine openness – the kind of which was inconceivable just a few years ago."

The expenses scandal had now been left behind, he insisted.

MPs get a basic salary of £65,738.