The cost of DUP MLAs' expenses claims for a printing business run by their party colleague's son is more than double what was previously thought.
Some £3,740 has been claimed from Stormont since 2016 for printing services operated by DUP MLA Trevor Clarke's son.
The figure is more than double what was previously believed, as The Irish News has learned the business is referenced in assembly records under two different names.
Eight MLAs claimed expenses for services including printer ink, office signage and window frosting.
[ READ MORE: Third planning probe was conducted at DUP MLA Trevor Clarke's homeOpens in new window ]
A Stormont spokeswoman said the proper processes were followed in respect of the payments.
It comes as a majority of MLAs yesterday backed a plan to allow members to set their own expenses rules – removing the role from an independent body.
Decisions will instead be made by the Assembly Commission, a Stormont body made up of representatives of the five main parties.
AC Print is run from the Clarkes' family home outside Randalstown, Co Antrim.
Mr Clarke's wife, DUP councillor Linda Clarke – who also works in his constituency office – registered AC Print with Antrim and Newtownabbey council as among her 'financial and other personal interests'.
The assembly has confirmed that payments relevant to AC Print are also listed in Stormont expenses records under the name Maine Supplies.
South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford claimed £265 for signage, £95 for window frosting and £460 for ink provided by Maine.
Joanne Bunting, East Belfast MLA, claimed £1,400 for office signage and £80 ink provided by AC Print, and a further £440 for ink from Maine.
North Belfast assembly member Paula Bradley claimed £220 for ink from AC Print, her constituency colleague William Humphrey claimed for £80 of ink from Maine, and Mid Ulster MLA Keith Buchanan also claimed £100 for ink from Maine.
Former South Antrim MLA Paul Girvan – who has since become an MP – claimed £120 for ink cartridges and toners from AC Print and £280 for ink from Maine.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart claimed £120 for ink from Maine when she was an MLA for the constituency.
Former DUP North Antrim MLA Phillip Logan, who failed to be re-elected in 2017, claimed £80 for ink from Maine.
Under assembly rules, MLAs are entitled to recover expenses for payments to 'associated persons' such as an MLA's family member if an accurate declaration is made.
An assembly spokeswoman said: "For matters of association, members are required to submit a declaration with each payment as to whether an association exists or not and, if so, the nature of the association.
"Those processes were followed in respect of each of these payments."
The assembly declined one expense claim and recouped two others in relation to AC Print. A £60 claim by Ms Bunting in 2018 was refused, and two claims totalling £120 made by Ms Lockhart in 2017 were recouped.
The DUP did not respond to requests for a comment.
It follows several controversies which emerged last year surrounding Trevor and Linda Clarke.
Among the issues, it was revealed Mr Clarke was running a sideline planning consultancy business. He has rejected concerns that Versatile Consultancy breached assembly rules which prohibit paid advocacy.
It was also revealed Mrs Clarke was involved in awarding AC Print more than £4,500 in work from Antrim and Newtownabbey council.
The local government standards commissioner is investigating.
The couple have insisted they "made all the relevant declarations and adhered to all rules".
