Expenses claimed by MPs for dependents who are not children

Request

You asked to know which MPs have claimed expenses for dependants who are not children but who might be either disabled or an elderly relative; and you asked to know the amount claimed by each MP since May 2010 and a description of why the claim had been made and the first three digits of the postcode of the property relating to the claim.


Response

As you are, I am sure, aware, the MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses (‘the Scheme’) states that: an MP who is eligible to claim Accommodation Expenditure for rental costs may have their budget limit increased by up to £2,425 in any financial year for any additional expenditure that may be required, for each person for whom that MP has caring responsibilities (known hereafter as the “dependant”), provided that they can certify that the dependant routinely resides at the rented accommodation.

MPs are deemed to have caring responsibilities where they are parents or are a primary carer for a family member in receipt of one of the following benefits:

  • Attendance Allowance;

  • Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for personal care; or

  • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension.

We can confirm that, since 2010 when IPSA was established, no Member has registered an adult family member in receipt of the benefits set out above or requested an increase in the budget limit for rental costs as a consequence.

Ref:
FOI2013-A184
Disclosure:
15 March 2013
Categories:
GENERAL EXPENSES ENQUIRY
Exemptions Applied:
None