The BBC is blaming a 20% year-on-year rise in expenses for Quarter 2 2011 on the migration of staff and services to Salford.

According to the corporation, top executives claimed £183,000 in April-June 2011. This compares with £152,000 for the same period during 2010.

A lot of the increase can be explained by the move North. However one of the largest claims was from BBC3 controller Zai Bennett who claimed back £1300 for his trip to TV content market The LA Screenings. The BBC”s push for transparency means it”s also possible to see gifts and hospitality to BBC staff. BBC News COO Dominic Coles  was the big winner, picking up invites to the UEFA Champions League final and Wimbledon!

Why not discuss the BBC’;s expenses at The Knowledge’;s linkedin group?