But that’s not stopped them claiming thousands of pounds in expenses.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority figures for the 2020-21 financial year show MPs across the UK had claimed over £9 million as of January 6th.
The JPIMedia Data Unit has analysed the figures to find out how much has been claimed by members in Derry City and Strabane local authority.
The area two MPs between them spent £16,896.46 on 29 claims over the nine months.
Below we have ranked the top 5 biggest claims – and you’ll be pleased to know there’s not a duck house in sight.
1. Office Costs, Órfhlaith Begley
The biggest expense among Derry City and Strabane MPs was £3,402.00 on office costs. That was claimed by Órfhlaith Begley, the Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone Photo: Órfhlaith Begley
2. Accommodation, Colum Eastwood
The next biggest expense was £2,625.00 on accommodation. That was claimed by Colum Eastwood, the Social Democratic MP for Foyle. Photo: Colum Eastwood
3. Office Costs, Colum Eastwood
The third biggest expense was £1,329.00 on another claim for office costs. That was claimed by Colum Eastwood, the Social Democratic MP for Foyle. Photo: Shutterstock
4. Office Costs, Colum Eastwood
The next biggest expense was once again for office costs, spending £1,200.00. That was claimed by Colum Eastwood, the Social Democratic MP for Foyle. Photo: Shutterstock