Amount spent on security

I can confirm that we hold information relevant to your request, but that it is subject to a Refusal Notice under sections 21, 22, and 38 of the FOIA, and in accordance with section C of IPSA’s Publication Policy.

The aggregated amounts for each financial year are:

• 2019/20 £3.3m

• 2018/19 £3.5m

• 2017/18 £4.5m

• 2016/17 £2.6m

• 2015/16 £160,000

• 2014/15 £77,000

The annual data for 2020-21 is due to be published on 20 January 2022. Details of the exemptions applied are provided below.

Section 21 – information reasonably accessible by other means

This exemption applies to the total amount of money claimed by MPs on security spending. IPSA publishes this information on its website at: https://www.theipsa.org.uk/other-payment-data.

Section 22(1) – information intended for future publication

This exemption applies to the latest information on the total amount of money claimed by MPs on security spending. As IPSA already has a procedure and schedule for routinely publishing this information, and the information will be published in January 2022, we find that the public interest in withholding this information outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Section 38(1)(b) – health and safety

This exemption applies where disclosure of the information requested would, or would be likely to, endanger the safety of any individual. IPSA relies on this exemption to withhold a breakdown of security costs incurred by individual MPs.

IPSA understands how disclosure would provide additional transparency concerning the use of public funds.

In considering disclosure we are also obliged to take into account our duty of care to MPs, their staff and connected parties, including any dependants and other members of the public, and any consequences which may arise from information disclosed in our response.

During 2021 there has been an increase in media reporting of threats made to MPs and their staff. Although not all reports relate to physical attacks on MPs and their staff, the fear and distress resulting from a threat can be mentally and physically damaging. The recent murder of Sir David Amess highlighted that such threats are very real.

MPs and their staff have difficult jobs and IPSA is aware that the decision to disclose could make it more difficult for them to fulfil these. This would have a knock-on effect on those whom MPs and their staff try to help. IPSA therefore maintains that the public interest in withholding this information outweighs the public interest in disclosure at this time.