Details of IPSA's decision relating to prorogation

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

1. Who took those decisions?

Parliament resumed on 25 September 2019, following a decision by the Supreme Court that the prorogation of Parliament was null and of no effect. In order to support MPs in returning to Parliament, IPSA accepted claims from MPs for all reasonable costs in order for them to travel back to Westminster or their London Area residence. This included international travel back to the UK from another country if necessary. Reasonable travel for spouses/partners and dependants was also claimable.

This was communicated to MPs and their offices in an IPSA Bulletin on 24 September 2019. Incorrect reports in the media suggested that this was a change from an earlier position.

Decisions on IPSA policy are the responsibility of the IPSA Board, and implementation of that policy is carried out by the IPSA executive team, led by the Chief Executive Officer.

2. Can you publish any communication between IPSA, MPs and any other interested parties in this regard?

As stated above IPSA sent a bulletin to MPs and their offices on 24 September setting out this position. Please see the link under question 1. There was no further communication between MPs and IPSA.

3. How much is this likely to cost?

The details of all MPs’ claims are published on our website, in line with our Publication Policy. Please see MP costs for more information about publication and also to search for a particular MP.

As this information is available from our website it is subject to Refusal Notice under section 21 of FOI as it reasonably accessible by other means.

4. Also can you tell me why has IPSA agreed to pay for family members to come back with MPs when they could come back at the time they were meant to without any costs to the taxpayer?

IPSA provides financial support to MPs, taking into account their varying family and personal circumstances, in order to ensure they can carry out their parliamentary functions. This includes reimbursement of certain travel costs for their spouses/partners and dependants. In the circumstances of the unexpected sitting of Parliament on 25 September 2019, MPs were able to use their discretion to claim for reasonable travel costs for their spouses/partners and dependants, where this was necessary and in support of their parliamentary functions.  

5. Is this just for MPs and their families or does it include other essential staff? If so which staff?

Under the Scheme of MPs’ Business Costs & Expenses, MPs’ staff members are able to claim for travel between the constituency and London, or from other parts of the UK to Westminster, where necessary to support the MP’s parliamentary role. IPSA does not fund international travel for staff members.

6. Are there any other costs? If so what are they?

As stated under question 3, the details of all MPs’ claims are published on our website.