Information about MPs' accommodation

Request

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, please provide responses to the following questions relating to the sharing of MPs' constituency offices with regard to the Scheme of MPs' Staffing and Business Costs which states: The MP must notify IPSA at the start of a subletting/licensee-licensor arrangement, and provide information as required, including a copy of the subletting/licensee-licensor agreement and details of the sublessee/licensee; the proportion of the property being sublet or occupied; the fee being charged and the frequency and form of repayment of such fees to IPSA.

Please advise:

  1. If an MP's office consists of one open-plan room, is it possible for an MP to have a subletting/licensee-licensor arrangement with a political party or constituency association, or to a connected party. If so, would the sublessee/licensee be able to use taxpayer-funded equipment such as printers, telephones etc within the arrangement?

  2. How many MPs have a subletting/licensee-licensor agreement in respect of their constituency office?

Response

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

  1. If an MP's office consists of one open-plan room, is it possible for an MP to have a subletting/licensee-licensor arrangement with a political party or constituency association, or to a connected party.

    1. Yes, this is possible

  2. If so, would the sublessee/licensee be able to use taxpayer-funded equipment such as printers, telephones etc within the arrangement?

    1. Yes, if they state this in the arrangement and incorporate this into the fee

  3. How many MPs have a subletting/licensee-licensor agreement in respect of their constituency office?

    1. IPSA currently has 14 subletting/licensee-licensor agreements registered with us

Ref:
RFI-202206-08
Disclosure:
13 July 2022
Categories:
MPs' ACCOMMODATION
Exemptions Applied: