MPs allowed to spend thousands of dollars on taxpayer-paid Christmas parties

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MPs have been told for the first time that they can charge taxpayers the cost of Christmas staff parties.

The cost of food , drinks and festive decorations can all be claimed, according to new guidelines from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa).

But this ruling - which allows MPs to claim potentially thousands of pounds of party fees - sparked a backlash among MPs, who described them as "crazy" and "irresponsible".

Ipsa released the new guidelines in response to frequently asked questions about how MPs and their staff can celebrate during the holiday season.

The Watchdog has confirmed that "MPs can claim the cost of food and refreshments for an office party" at their offices - but warned "no claim is self laughingstock for alcohol".

MPs were told that any claims "should represent value for money, particularly in the current economic climate", when millions of people feel the pressure of a cost of living crisis.

Advice added: "As with all claims, value for money should be considered and all claims will be published in the usual manner. "

MPs will be allowed to charge for the cost of a festive gathering in their constituency, but have been told this must be 'in a parliamentary context' rather than 'purely a social event'.< /p>

They can even claim the cost of celebratory Christmas cards - but have been warned "these should not be sent to large groups or all voters as there is a risk that this will represent not value for money and could be considered self-promotion”.

There is There is no cap on Christmas party spending, but the budget for annual office costs is limited to £31,620 for MPs holding seats in London and £28,570 for those outside the capital. /p>

Among MPs attacking the rules, former Tory cabinet minister David Davis said the spending watchdog had 'missed the vibe of the times' by allowing politicians to charge for Christmas parties. Christmas.

“I'm quite surprised. But I think it's crazy, frankly,” he told Talk TV. "He missed the vibe of the times if that's what they say."

Labour MP Jess Phillips - in a Twitter post retweeted by Conservative Foreign Secretary James Cleverly - said Ipsa had been "irresponsible".

"I just want to say nobody asked for it, nobody I know will use it," she said. "The advice was not given by MPs and yet we will be pilloried for it. I think it is really irresponsible to publish this advice...when I...