Details of policy on connected parties

Request

It is reported on line here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Blackman that this member employs his wife as an office manager.

The article is less than definitive as to if this refers to his MPs office or some other enterprise.

My understanding was that following the MPs expenses scandal, members were no longer able to employ family members as staff.

(1) Is this correct?

(2) Are there any exemptions for family members employed as staff prior to the changes?

(3) Is Mr Blackman currently employing any family members as parliamentary staff?

Response

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

In May 2010, IPSA put in place restrictions which meant that MPs could only claim salary costs for one employee who was a connected party (i.e. family member), unless they were already employing more than one connected party before 7 May 2010. Later, IPSA prohibited the employment of any new connected parties from 9 June 2017; MPs who were employing a connected party prior to that date could continue to do so.

The term ‘connected party’ is defined in the Scheme of MPs’ Business Costs and Expenses, and includes the MP’s spouse/partner, other family members and close business associates. I can confirm that Mr Blackman was claiming the salary of Nicola Blackman as an Office Manager in 2018/19. More information can be found on IPSA's website.

IPSA publishes information about connected parties on an annual basis on our website.

Ref:
RFI-202006-6
Disclosure:
12 June 2020
Categories:
MPs' CONNECTED PARTIESMPs' STAFFING
Exemptions Applied: