Cohen responded to criticism by stating that the Additional Costs Allowance was intended to be de facto salary for Members of Parliament.

In 2007/2008 she had the joint highest expenses claims for Additional Costs Allowances including claims for £400 per month for food even when Parliament is not sitting.

Mr Cameron announced last summer that his only current claims under the Additional Costs Allowance are for mortgage interest.

Cameron would replace the Additional Costs Allowance with a "Transparent Parliamentary Allowance" which would be worth less to MPs.

In May 2009, it was reported that Ryan had claimed more than £4,500 under the Additional Costs Allowance for work on a house she had designated as her second home.

A Twickenham resident, Dr Cable commutes by train into central London daily and so claims the 'London Supplement' instead of the Additional Costs Allowance.

In 2008, his Member's Claim Form for Additional Costs Allowance was filled out with a figure of £20,700 relating to maintenance to a Bell Tower.

In 2008/9, MacKay claimed a total of £23,083 under Additional Costs Allowance, while Kirkbride claimed £22,575.

The property in which Werrity stayed rent free was mortgaged at £1400 per month and covered by Fox's Additional Costs Allowance (ACA), part of his MP's expenses.

His wife used her Additional Costs Allowance to claim over £900 a month on paying off the mortgage for their family home near her constituency.