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| Communications
and Computers
Every MP is loaned computer equipment for use in their offices and by their staff. The provision allows for up to five PCs and two printers for use in either Westminster or the constituency. These computers are owned by Parliament and have to be returned if an MP retires or loses their seat. MPs can also purchase additional equipment from the Office Running Costs allowance, if needed, providing they are used solely for Parliamentary business. From 2007 MPs were able to receive a £7,000 allowance for post-paid envelopes and paper. In addition they receive a £10,000 allowance to cover the cost of communicating with constituents about their work as an MP. This can be used to pay for things such as annual reports, brochures, surgery posters, websites and additional postage. These public funds cannot be used for party political materials. Dan Norris has used part of this budget (and in the 2006/2007 financial year the Associated Stationery budget) to pay towards the postage costs of sending out hard copies of his highly successful anti-bullying booklet for children and parents. By autumn 2007 over 600,000 copies of Dan Norris's booklet, paid for and distributed by local and national private businesses, had been sent out across the UK since its publication in 2005. But thousands of people and many schools still write to Dan every year requesting hard copies of his popular booklet. To minimise costs Dan's booklet is also available online, on this website and unpaid volunteers help deal with hard copy requests. Dan Norris uses the full allocation of these allowances. . |