Rules regarding MPs' claims for business costs and property rental

Request

Having listened to Nadhim Zahawi today on Sky News regarding his wrongful claim for heating stables and giving an explanation which was described as a mistake? he also stated that the chief whip told him to claim if he needed it or not which having heard him say he was very wealthy I find scandalous.

This has now left me wondering exactly what they can and do claim for. Therefore under the access to information, I would request a copy of the guidelines explaining what they can and can not claim for.

I would also like to know if any MPs rent properties from other MPs and if so how many?

Response

I can confirm that we hold information relevant to your request.

Guidelines setting out what MPs may and may not claim

Rules for claiming staffing and business costs are set out in the ‘The Scheme of MPs’ Staffing and Business Costs’ You may also find the following information on our website helpful:

The FOIA states that information that is accessible by means other than through a freedom of information request is not subject to release.

Therefore, as some of the information you have requested is already available on our website, or in the public domain, it is exempt from disclosure under section 21 of the FOIA.

This means that IPSA does not need to supply you with actual copies of this information but does need to direct you to the place where it may be found.

Number of MPs renting properties from other MPs

There are two MPs who rent from other MPs.

Ref:
RFI-202207-10
Disclosure:
23 August 2022
Categories:
GENERAL EXPENSES ENQUIRYMPs' ACCOMMODATION
Exemptions Applied:
Section 21