Norfolk PCC reimburses claimed travel expenses

After claiming more than £3,000 in travel expenses for journeys from his home to his office, Norfolk police and crime commissioner (PCC) Stephen Bett has given back the money.

Mr Bett, an independent PCC, said he used his home as his main office and claimed for more than 70 trips from his home to the official headquarters of the PCC in Wymondham.

For each of the 96-mile trips made he received £43.20, eventually claiming a total of £3,024.

Mr Bett defended his actions and said: “On election I took advice on how and what I could claim and have followed that advice to the letter. I do not believe I have done anything wrong.

“I was absolutely clear from the start that my personal office would be my home and this was checked and cleared by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and my accountant.

“As far as I am concerned this was all transparent and above board. I have always seen Norfolk as my workplace and have travelled its length and breadth talking to people, listening to their opinions and concerns around policing and crime in our county. Frankly I have been doing my job.”

The commissioner still firmly believes he is the innocent party but has agreed to pay back the money to avoid any controversy.

“I am very aware that headlines such as those I have seen could easily tarnish the reputation of policing in Norfolk. Anyone who knows me or has heard me speak knows this is the last thing I would want,” said Mr Bett.

“I am passionate about policing in our county and would hate for there to be any shadow cast over the work of Norfolk Constabulary and its efforts to keep Norfolk one of the safest places in the country.

“I have decided to pay back the money I have claimed travelling from my office to the Wymondham headquarters. I will also no longer claim when I travel from my office to the Wymondham headquarters.”

Consultant Jon Harvey, a frequent commentator on PCC issues, said an independent audit at the very least is required, if not an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation.

“Frankly I am very surprised to be talking about this issue. I have worked with Stephen Bett; I know him to be a very experienced politician (a former senior Conservative Norfolk County Council councillor and chairman of the police authority) and he is very committed to getting good value for the money for the taxpayer.”