Transparency

Antony Hook considers transparency with constituents to be a number one priority. Antony will always publish on the website his activities in the Parliament as well as his salary and expenses. As well as this, he will always ensure that he meets the strict EU rules considering meeting lobbyists and organisations of interests.  

Lobbying:  

The EU has a strict transparency register which Antony will fully support. For lobbying organisations to seek influence in the European institutions, the must list their interests on the register.  

Antony believes that lobbying plays an important part in our democracy, however it is important that those who engage in lobbying are open and transparent.   

Meeting South East constituents:  

Antony is always happy to meet with my constituents in the South East who may wish to raise any issues that he may be able to assist with. These meetings will always be conducted in the strictest confidentiality. For more information on the issues that Antony can assist with, please get in touch with details on the get in touch page.  

Salary and expenses:  

Antony wishes to be fully transparent about how much he earns and spends as a MEP. It is important taxpayers can access the information about how much their elected representatives spend and earn. All this information will always be published on Antony’s website.  

What is a MEP’s salary?  

Since July 2009 as per the single statute for Members, all MEPS receive the same salary. As of July 2018, an MEPs pre-tax monthly salary is €8,757.70 (£7,864.97 as of July 2019). This salary comes directly from the Parliament’s budget. All MEPs will pay EU tax and insurance contributions, after this an MEPs monthly salary is €6,824.85 (£6,129.15 as of July 2019). UK MEPs are also subject to national insurance contributions and UK income tax. This ensures that MEPs are subject to the same levels of income tax and national insurance as an individual directly employed in the UK. The final take home pay of a UK MEP will vary monthly depending on the strength of Pound Sterling to the Euro.  

How much pension does a MEP receive? 

MEPs are entitled to receive their pension from the age of 63. The pension MEPs receive equals 3.5% of their salary for each year they have served, this is capped at 20 years’ service.  

How much do MEPs’ staff cost?  

Antony is assisted by a small number of staff based in the UK and Brussels. Staffing costs are covered by the European Parliament budget. In Brussels, staff are paid directly by the Parliament and in the UK staff pay is administered by an independent paying agent. MEPs do not receive the money that is paid to staff.  

Antony’s UK paying agent for staff is Loucas Accountants based in Maidstone, Kent.  

How much does an MEP spend on travel?  

The vast majority of European Parliament meetings take place in either Brussels or Strasbourg. The cost of travel is covered by the Parliament. There is no set allowance for travel, as MEPs are refunded the actual cost of the travel to meetings. Antony normally travels to Brussels or Strasbourg once week, usually via Eurostar from Ashford International in Kent. The cost of this can vary, but a return journey to Brussels usually costs around £120.  

How much does an MEP spend on accommodation?  

The European Parliament pays a flat-rate allowance of €320 a day to cover expenditure whilst in Brussels or Strasbourg. An MEP receives this allowance after signing the register to confirm their attendance. This allowance is expected to cover accommodation, meals and other daily expenditure. A hotel room in the centre of Brussels can cost at least €250 per night.  

How are the operating costs of an MEPs’ paid?  

Antony’s constituency office is located in the town of Faversham, Kent. The Parliament covers a flat-rate for MEPs’ parliamentary activities such as office rent, computers, telephones and subscriptions such as internet access. In 2019 the allowance per month is €4,513 (£4,052.96 as of July 2019).