Mike Hill MP's business costs

Request

It has been reported that Mike Hill, before leaving the department, made claims against IPSA for funding a legal defence against sexual harassment claims from a member of his staff (https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/hartlepool-mp-s-parting-gift-for-taxpayers) Can you please confirm:

  • The recipient of, and details of claims: 60083054-1, 60083054-2.

  • What description was used by Mike Hill to justify these claims?

  • Whether claiming for legal expenses against harassment claims is an allowable expense under the scheme.

  • Whether these claims were analysed or discussed in any way by members of the policy team at IPSA.

  • Whether, if found not to be acceptable under the scheme, IPSA will be seeking reimbursement of these claims from Mike Hill.

Response

I can confirm that we hold information relevant to your request and our answers are:

  • The recipient was Hudgell Solicitors.

  • Claim categorised under bought-in services.

  • They are an allowable expense under The Scheme of MPs’ Staffing and Business Costs.

  • They were discussed.

  • Not applicable as an allowable expense.

Ref:
RFI-202110-15
Disclosure:
24 January 2022
Categories:
IPSA - FINANCIAL
Exemptions Applied: