AN MP whose expenses rose more than 10 per cent in the last full financial year says an increase in costs is down to the 'difficult' time of the last 24 months.

Sir Graham Brady, the MP for Altrincham and Sale West, claimed around £195,400 in the 12 months after April 2020, according to data released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).*

Of this, £162,600 was spent on staff, while £19,000 was spent on his office and £5,400 was spent on costs at the accommodation he owns. Another £8,300 was spent on travel and subsistence while travelling.

The total of £195,400 is up from a total of £176,700 in the previous financial year, although it is below the average of all 650 MPs in Parliament of £203,800.

Around 430 MPs claimed more than Sir Graham, with the biggest total for an individual MP standing at £280,900.

In response to the data, the MP for Altrincham and Sale West said the period since the start of 2020 and the pandemic has been a 'difficult' time. He praised his office for its continued service to his constituents.

READ MORE: REVEALED: The amount claimed in expenses by all Trafford's MPs.

Sir Graham said: "My claims for business costs in relation to my parliamentary duties reflect the cost of travel to Westminster and running a busy parliamentary office, which has continued to provide a high level of service to my constituents throughout the difficult period of the last two years."

Mike Kane and Kate Green did not comment on their own expenses in the last full financial year, which also rose from the previous financial year.

The MP For Wythenshawe and Sale East claimed around £226,000, up from £190,900, while the MP for Stretford and Urmston claimed around £186,500, up from £163,600.

IPSA warns it is important to look at the figures in the context of the amount of work done by MPs both in their constituencies and in Parliament.

Information on the independent body's website reads: "MPs each represent approximately 70,000 people in their constituencies and often work between two locations."

IPSA also stresses almost all claims are compliant with the rules, and that those claims which are not compliant are often the result of mistakes and misunderstandings.

*All figures to the nearest £100.