Outrage over bills increase for MPs after they give up or lose seat at election

MPs who’re sacked by the citizens on the election, and people voluntarily standing down forward of subsequent 12 months’s crunch ballot, will obtain double the taxpayer assist to assist wind down their places of work.

The announcement was made quietly by IPSA, the unbiased physique answerable for MP bills, in July, who mentioned the present two-month winding-up interval has confirmed to be “too short for winding up what can be complex office arrangements”.

“IPSA has seen the issues for MPs’ staff who have often been contacted after the winding-up period to assist in finding receipts for business costs.

“The winding-up period will now be four months from the date of the next general election. This additional time will allow most administrative tasks to be completed by former Members and enable IPSA to focus high-quality support to newly elected MPs and staff.”

The transfer to provide extra taxpayer’s money to MPs is elevating eyebrows, not least because it comes amid the worst value of dwelling disaster in a few years.

MPs need to exhibit they’re utilizing their time to work on closing down their places of work, together with tying up unfastened ends and providing handy over ongoing constituency casework to their successor.

Tory MP Bob Seeley advised TalkTV: “I don’t think people resigning should be getting a payout”.

“But this is an independent body, I’m afraid to say we don’t get to vote on it unless somebody tells us that we do, and frankly, I am more concerned about dealing with my constituency casework.

“So I’m not significantly blissful about this both as a result of it simply reveals us in a foul gentle and regardless of the very fact it is an unbiased physique, everybody goes accountable us for it.

“It actually winds me up, frankly.”

The winding-up money comes on prime of the MP lack of workplace cost eligible to these to face on the election however lose their seat.

MPs are eligible for the cost if they’ve held workplace for no less than two years earlier than being chucked out by voters, and is price double the prevailing statutory redundancy entitlement.

Ministers additionally get a payout of as much as £16,876 in the event that they lose their Cabinet jobs.

A spokesperson for IPSA mentioned: “Following a public consultation earlier this year, based upon the evidence available to us and our own experience from previous elections, we agreed that the winding-up period is too short for former MPs and their staff to close down their offices and deal with outstanding casework.

“It is also unfair to expect those closing their offices to do so once their employment has ended. We therefore have extended it to allow a smoother transition for members of parliament and for their constituents.”

John O’Connell, chief govt of the Taxpayer’s Alliance, criticised the news, saying: “Doubling golden goodbyes for MPs is a kick in the teeth for taxpayers”.

“Hard-pressed Brits are already funding generous salaries, perks and pensions for elected officials.

“IPSA should be mindful of that when recommending more taxpayers’ money for politicians.”