Cost of IPSA's administration and MPs' expenses

Request

  • the cost of IPSA’s administration and the total value of MPs’ expenses claims for 2010;

  • the value of MPs’ expenses claims, and of associated administration costs, in 2008 and 2009.


Response

IPSA’s operational budget approved by the Speaker’s Committee for 2010/11 contains £148.64m for MPs’ expenses and £6.15m for administration and setup costs.

Before 7 May 2010, the House of Commons was responsible for MPs’ allowances. The House of Commons accounts show that the budget for MPs’ allowances under the previous scheme was £183.20m in 2009/10 and £161.72m in 2008/9. We do not hold any accurate data on the cost of the administration of MPs’ expenses before IPSA came into force on 7 May.

On two matters of detail, IPSA is also responsible for paying the salaries and associated costs of MPs’ staff (approximately 2100) and has no responsibility for expenses of members of the House of Lords.

Ref:
FOI2011-027
Disclosure:
3 March 2011
Categories:
IPSA - FINANCIAL
Exemptions Applied:
None