HALLAM MP Nick Clegg spent more than £7,000 of taxpayers' money renovating his Sheffield home last year, it was revealed this week.
The Lib Dem leader used his Parliamentary expenses to fund new carpets, flooring, blinds and curtains, as well as light fittings and plastering work.
He also spent money repairing and maintaining the garden, supplying and fitting pipework and repa
iring the garage at his home in Ecclesall.
The Hallam MP also claimed £12,254 to cover mortgage interest payments for the property and £1,690 on council tax.
The details emerged after Mr Clegg made good on his promise to voluntarily publish a fuller breakdown of his MP expenses.
He published the details on his website.
He is the first party leader to do so and the move will put pressure on Gordon Brown and David Cameron to do the same.
Mr Clegg's aides yesterday stressed the renovation and repair costs are a "one-off and not an ongoing cost".
The submission on his website stated: "The property was bought in early 2006 and was in a neglected condition where the kitchen, living room and garden were in need of one-off repair work to make the house fit for normal use."
Mr Clegg claimed the maximum £23,083 in 2007/08 from the Additional Costs Allowance, which reimburses MPs for the costs incurred in staying away from their main home. His main home is in South West London.
The breakdown of his ACA also included £634.11 in utility bills, £623.88 in telephone bills and £105.50 on cleaning.
Alongside the renovations, Mr Clegg also spent £630.90 on "repairs/insurance/security". He did not claim any money for food.
Mr Clegg announced that all his frontbenchers will disclose similar expenses breakdowns quarterly, starting in July.
The full article contains 307 words and appears in Sheffield Telegraph newspaper.
