Claims by MPs for Security Assistance

Request

Under and FOI request could I ask which members of parliament claimed Security assistance in 2011/2012 and how much respectively


Response

IPSA holds the information that you request.

Our publication policy clearly states that “we will not publish details of individual’s security assistance”.  In IPSA’s view, the information you have requested is exempt under section 38 (1)(a)(b) (health and safety) of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) as the publication of information relating to the nature of MPs’ claims for security assistance may risk the safety of MPs and the safety of others.

We have considered whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the application of the exemption. It is our opinion that the release of details relating to MPs’ security assistance is not in the public interest.  Disclosing such details could reveal security information and may put the safety of MPs and the safety of others at risk. It is for these stated reasons that the application of the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

IPSA recognise the public interest in knowing the amount claimed under the security assistance budget.  For this reason, we publish an aggregated figure (as opposed to broken down by individual MP) for all claims for security assistance as part of the annualised data.  We believe this strikes the right balance between safeguarding the security of MPs and of others and promoting openness and transparency.  The data for 2011/12 can be found via this link to our publication website by selecting the link to the aggregated data for disability assistance and security assistance.

Ref:
FOI2012-A084
Disclosure:
24 October 2012
Categories:
GENERAL EXPENSES ENQUIRY
Exemptions Applied:
Section 38