The Parliamentary Expenditure by all British Labour MEPs is controlled by the Parliament Authorities. Before payment for staff can be authorised or reimbursed signed contracts have to be submitted for approval to the Parliament's Fees Office.  At the end of each year MEPs have to submit a detailed account of amounts paid and to whom including a declaration that all national insurance and tax obligations have been fulfilled.

Above this the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) introduced in 2000 a requirement that all Members have their Office and Staffing expenditure reviewed by an independent auditor who then submits a report to the EPLP. That report must state that all tax, national insurance and pension contributions have been paid and that the expenditure incurred complies with the Parliament's rules. The Auditors report has to be presented to the EPLP by 31st March.

Linda's accounts

I employ as members of staff in my constituency office:
A Communications and Research Officer (full-time)
Two Personal Assistants (job share)
An Office Manager / Paying Agent (part-time)

In my Brussels office, I employ:
A Research Officer (full-time)
An Intern (full-time)

I do not contract or employ any family members.

Jointly with other Labour MEPs I also employ a Research Assistant who is line managed by the EPLP Secretary General.

The expenditure of Labour MEPs' general expenditure and secretarial allowances is reviewed through an audit process carried out by an independent qualified accountant who provides the EPLP with a signed letter testifying that the allowances have been spent in accordance with the Parliament rules and the EPLP's own guidelines: http://www.eurolabour.org.uk/Transparency

For my 2007 Audit Certificate please follow this link: Audit Certificate

For my Declaration of Financial Interests (as of January 2009) please follow this link: Declaration of interests

FAQ: How much do MEPs get paid?