The cost of food and drinks for MPs in the Commons have gone up for the first time in three years, it has been revealed.
The bars and restaurants at the House of Commons have increased their prices by 3.4% last month, according to a Freedom of Information request by the Mirror. This is the first time the prices of food and beverages at Parliament have increased since 2019.
Even with the hike in prices, the cost of these items still remain very low. The price of a coffee is just 69p, a lager is £3.56 and a bacon butty costs a mere £1.70, while a delicious smoked salmon costs £2.96.
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This is an astonishing comparison to similar items sold on the high street. A Greggs bacon roll costs £2.35 while a flat white coffee is £2.15.
These food items for MPs are subsidised by taxpayers, which accounts for their low cost. Members of Parliament enjoyed a 2.7% salary increase earlier this year, and are now paid £84,144 per year.
However, the 2020/21 records show catering services made a £9.1m loss, to be met by the taxpayer.
A House of Commons spokesman blamed the pandemic for 2020/21 losses in Parliament’s catering services, saying: “Some catering outlets were closed and fewer staff and visitors were on the estate, resulting in lower sales.”
Worker were hit with a 1.25% National Insurance rise the same week MP's received news of their salary increase. However, PM Boris Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer said MPs should not get the pay rise.
But their remuneration is set by an independent body, which says it should be in line with other public sector pay. Richard Lloyd, chairman of Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, said: “It is right that MPs are paid fairly.”
Last week, Conservative MP Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield, in Nottinghamshire said people should learn how to budget and cook meals at home to cope.
But one constituent, Ian Lane, 78, said: “It’s alright for him getting subsidised food and drink. In the real world, people are struggling.”
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