MPs have been told for the first time they can expense the cost of food and drink for Christmas staff parties to taxpayers.
But the “hospitality” claims cannot include alcoholic beverages, guidance from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) states. The expenses watchdog issued the advice in response to “frequently asked questions” about how MPs and their staff can celebrate during the festive season.
Ipsa confirmed that “MPs can claim the costs of food and refreshments for an office festive” in their parliamentary or constituency offices, but warned “no claims are allowed for alcohol”. The cost of “festive decorations for their office” can also be claimed.
But MPs were told that any claims “should represent value for money, especially in the current economic climate”, as millions feel the strain of a cost-of-living crisis.
The news has not gone down well with the voting public, with some turning to social media to vent their anger, with one person tweeting: “MPs have been told they can have Christmas parties and claim expenses for decorations and refreshments!
“Ordinary people are struggling and scared. They’re laughing at us.”
Another critic added: “Are we going to see another MPs expenses scandal over how much they can now claim for Xmas festivities and how much we pay for their gas and electricity to keep them warm this winter? I wonder how many of them will have cut their consumption by as much as working people have done?”
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