Lib Dem Leader writes to Daventry Councillor over '£10,000 for MP's' News Story
There have been many stories doing the rounds regarding an apparent £10,000 grant being given to MP's to help them and their teams work from home during the coronavirus lock down.
With so much misinformation around our local Daventry District Lib Dem Councllor, Jonathan Harris, decided to take the issue up with the Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey MP.
Ed wrote back explaining the situation and Jonathan thought that he would share his response below for clarification:
Dear Jonathan, Thank you for getting in touch to share your concerns about the new temporary £10,000 allowance MPs may claim for costs to enable them and their staff to work remotely. First, its important to know that this new allowance was not introduced or asked for by MPs. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), who is in charge of overseeing all the budgets for MPs offices, made the decision themselves and have provided a new allowance of up to an extra £10,000 for each MPs office cost budget in response to the Coronavirus crisis. As always, each MP will have to account for how the money is spent, and all claims will be published online. This money will certainly not be going to MPs or their staff members personally. I do hope this is helpful in clearing up your concerns. Thanks again for getting in touch. Best, Ed Davey MP Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats |