A Cumbrian MP said the decision that he and his colleagues would be able to claim Christmas parties on expenses was ‘absolutely bonkers’.
Simon Fell, the Conservative MP for Barrow and Furness, said it was a tone deaf announcement which should be reversed, while Penrith and the Border’s Neil Hudson said it was totally inappropriate.
According to new guidance from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, taxpayers will now fund MPs’ staff Christmas party costs – with alcohol being the only expense not included.
The advice came from the watchdog in response to frequently asked questions on how MPs and their staff can celebrate Christmas.
Food, soft drinks and festive decorations including lights, tinsel and a tree, are covered by the guidance. IPSA said: “MPs can claim the costs of food and refreshments for an office festive event under the discretion allowed as hospitality. MPs can also claim the cost of festive decorations for their office under the discretion they have for use of their office costs budget.”
They were also told to be mindful of the cost of living crisis and that any claims should represent value for money, especially in the current economic climate. Events must also take place in parliamentary or constituency offices.
Conservative Dr Hudson said: “I want to be clear with my constituents that I have no intention of spending taxpayer money on office Christmas parties.
“I think utilising public funds in such a manner would be grossly inappropriate, especially considering the mounting financial pressures being faced by many people across the country at this time.
“The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, as the name suggests, is an independent body and therefore I had no input on their decision-making process. Moreover, I don’t know of any MPs from any political party who have asked IPSA for this or intend to make use of public monies in this way. In my opinion the comments from IPSA were completely tone deaf and MPs will now unjustly be burdened with the resulting ire.”
Mr Fell took to Twitter and said: “Absolutely bonkers. Whenever I take my team out, I pay for it out of my own pocket. This is utterly tone deaf and IPSA should reverse this decision now.”
Conservative MP for Carlisle, John Stevenson, added: “Any decision to allow MPs to claim Christmas party expenses is entirely unnecessary and certainly unwelcome. I will not be claiming any such expenses.”
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “I won’t be claiming our office Christmas meal on expenses. It’s not something that was ever on my mind, but I think it would send out the wrong message anyway while so many people are struggling with the cost of living.”
Trudy Harrison, Conservative MP for Copeland, said: “I have no intention whatsoever of claiming my office’s Christmas party on expenses.”
Mark Jenkinson, who represents Workington for the Conservative Party, has been contacted for comment.
