Information about MPs claims for "Banners"

Request

I’ve been reviewing MPs expense claims and notice a recurring expense with varying cost that has no explanation attached. Please can you answer the following questions.

  1. Why are MPs making multiple claims per month for “Banners” and for what purpose have said banners been bought?

  2. Why does the price paid for these “banners” range from £0.24 to over £116?

  3. Which companies are supplying these “banners”?

  4. For what purpose do MPs need to make ongoing, repeated expenses claims for “banners” and why is no further information available on these claims?

Response

I am writing in response to your email of 13 September 2020 requesting information concerning making multiple claims made by MPs each month for "Banners".

I can confirm that IPSA does not hold the information you have requested at points (1) to (3) for the reasons set out below in response to point (4).

The term "Banner" in the expense claims refers to the name of a stationery supplier. In 1995 Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO) rebranded its office supplies and stationery goods under the name Banner. Banner is one of the main providers of office supplies to the public sector. More information is available from the "About" page of Banner’s website

Banner is one of a small group of suppliers that IPSA has direct payment options and accounts with. This allows MPs and their staff to use their online ordering facilities. MPs do not need to provide IPSA with receipts or evidence after making an order with a direct supplier as the supplier invoices us directly for the claim so it may be validated and recorded against the MP’s account.

Ref:
RFI-202009-6
Disclosure:
15 September 2020
Categories:
GENERAL EXPENSES ENQUIRYMPs' OFFICE COSTS
Exemptions Applied: