MPs told they can put Christmas parties for staff on expenses
For the first time taxpayers will be paying for food and drink at parties
The taxpayer could be footing the bill for MPs staff Christmas parties for the first time this year.
Members of Parliament have been told they can put the cost of food and drink for staff on their expenses.
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, the guidance first reported by a national newspaper says.
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.