BBC chief’s £21,000 expenses claim

The director-general of the BBC, Mark Thompson, has had his £21,000-plus expense claims scrutinised under the Freedom of Information Act.

In addition to his £500,000 salary, Thompson claimed £10,540 for hospitality and £4,034 for overnight accommodation in the 12 months until October 2005.

Thompson also claimed back £8.75 for a meal he ate in a motorway cafe in January 2005 and £1.75 for a business call made from a hotel in July.

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A BBC spokesman said the expense claims showed just how “cost conscious” Thompson was. He pointed out that the director-general had decided not to take his £168,000 bonus this year.

Chairman Michael Grade’s expenses were also released, totalling just £1,700.