But this has not stopped them from claiming thousands of pounds in expenses.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority figures for the 2020-21 financial year show MPs across the UK had claimed over £9 million as of January 6.
The JPIMedia Data Unit has analysed the figures in order to find out how much has been claimed by members across Sunderland, Hartlepool, South Shields and Northumberland.
The eight MPs over the four areas spent £127,765.63 between them, on 448 claims over a nine month period from April 2020.
Below we have ranked the MPs from biggest to least spender.
1. Northumberland
Ian Levy, the Conservative MP for Blyth Valley BC, has spent £25,750.41 on 51 claims so far this year. Their biggest expense has been office costs, with £11,701.57. Photo: UK Parliament
2. Northumberland
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Conservative MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed CC, has spent £22,716.21 on 90 claims so far this year. Their biggest expense has been accommodation, with £8,526.63. Photo: UK Parliament
3. Sunderland
Sharon Hodgson, the Labour MP for Washington and Sunderland West BC, has spent £14,818.64 on 63 claims so far this year. Their biggest expense has been office costs, with £8,615.28 spent. Photo: UK Parliament
4. South Shields
Emma Lewell-Buck, the Labour MP for South Shields BC, has spent £14,494.03 on 42 claims so far this year. Their biggest expense has been accommodation, with £5,963.40. Photo: UK Parliament