MPs can claim a second home allowance of up to £23,083. Most MPs buy a second home which they can of course keep, including any capital gains on the home.

John Mann owns only one home, in the constituency. No building, maintenance or decoration or security work on this home has been paid by Parliament.

John rents a room in Waterloo, South London and has done for 6 years. Last year he moved to a new address, but with similar rental arrangements.

John spent £600/month on rent in 2007, £460 on hotels, £1,270 on utilities maintenance and repair, £4,385 on food and subsistence, £0 on council tax, £0 on mortgage, £519.79 on other costs.

In 2006/2007 John claimed a total of £13,233.  His expenditure was  64th lowest of any MP in the country - out of 645, the 2nd lowest in Nottinghamshire - out of 10, and the 4th lowest in the East Midlands -out of 48.

If broken down this is a daily allowance of £97.30/day (based on working in London four days per week for 34 weeks of the year).  If John were to stay in a hotel for his overnights in London current rates at the Premier Inn County Hall Hotel are £114/night.

The civil service have a set allowance for employees working in London, eg for Sheffield civil servants.  They are reimbursed accommodation and breakfast costs plus £26/day subsistence allowance.  If the individual stays with friends rather than use a hotel the allowance increases to £56 per 24 hours.

House of Commons officials are able to reclaim bed and breakfast costs plus £23.65 per 24 hours.

Bassetlaw District Council pays councillors their hotel costs plus £25/day subsistence allowance

Notts County Council will pay up £115/night when accommodation has not been provided plus a total of £21.92 to cover meals and out of pocket expenses.