List of MPs and amount claimed by them on surveillance services

Chapter 10 of The Scheme of MPs’ Staffing and Business Costs deals with the provision of security assistance. For safety reasons, IPSA does not publish a detailed breakdown of MPs’ claims relating to this.

This information is therefore subject to a Refusal Notice under section 38(1)(b) of the FOIA. This exemption applies where the disclosure of information would or would be likely to endanger the safety of any individual. The disclosure of the amount claimed by MPs for surveillance equipment would enable the public to understand another aspect of MPs’ use of public money. It would also highlight the fact that the risk to the safety of MPs, their staff and connected parties is greater because of the work they do or their association with the MP.

Unfortunately, the disclosure of this information would also increase this risk to their safety as the public would be able to see which MPs had purchased surveillance equipment, perhaps suggesting they feel their safety is at greater risk, or equally the potential vulnerability of those who have not.

There have been many stories this year alone reporting the abuse and threats faced by MPs; IPSA is committed to protecting MPs, their staff and families. We therefore find that the public interest in withholding this information outweighs the public interest in disclosure at this time.