Rules for what mps can claim after coventry mp charged taxpayer for pet rent"

A Coventry MP has hit national headlines for an expenses claim related to her dog. But what can MPs legally claim? MPs claim for the costs incurred to run a small business supporting and

representing their constituents. According to IPSA (Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority), these can include staffing, office costs, accommodation, security, disability, travel, and

subsistence. This comes after Taiwo Owatemi submitted an expense claim of £900 a year in rent and was approved to keep her pet cockapoo Bella living with her at her second home in London.

The claim was approved after Labour won the election in 2024. The move by Taiwo was called a 'disgrace' and that hearing an MP receiving £900 for a dog was 'shocking' to

disability campaigner Hannah Campbell. A Labour spokesperson added that some MPs need housing support due to working in their constituencies and in Westminster. READ MORE: MOTOFEST COVENTRY

POSTPONED FOR 2025 DUE TO CITY CENTRE SOUTH DEVELOPMENT BELOW IS THE IPSA'S GUIDE TO WHAT CLAIMS MP CAN MAKE: STAFFING This is for MPs who want to employ staff to support constituents

and assist them with parliamentary duties. HOW THE CLAIM IS MADE : "Salaries are paid directly to staff members by IPSA. Each MP’s staff member must be registered with us and have a job

title and salary within our categories and pay bands. The staffing budget includes salaries and other costs such as National Insurance and pension contributions. The staffing budget also

provides training and staff wellbeing funding," IPSA said. OFFICE COSTS This is to allow MPs to have a constituency office to support one another and provide a location for staff to

work. and also includes buying stationery, hiring a venue to hold surgeries, and buying equipment, THE CLAIM CAN BE MADE IN THREE WAYS: * A reimbursement claim - The cost is paid by the MP

or staff member and reclaimed from IPSA using the online finance portal IPSA Online. * Using the IPSA payment card. * Through direct payments to approved suppliers ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is funded to MPs who work from two locations: their constituency and London; one location is funded while the MP fully funds their accommodation in another. HOW THE CLAIM IS

MADE: MPs not from London can claim for rental accommodation, hotels, and other similar costs in London or their constituency. Hotel costs can be claimed as reimbursement or using the MP

payment card, with rent paid directly to the landlord registered with IPSA. TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE Funding is provided for MPs, their staff, and their families to travel between the

constituency and London and around the UK for parliamentary duties. Travel is not funded for MPs to commute between their accommodation and work or for party political purposes. IPSA said:

"These claims are either paid directly to a travel supplier, as a reimbursement claim, or using the IPSA payment card. Claims can be made for public transport, mileage, car hire or taxi

costs if there are no other reasonable methods of transport or if the MP is working past 10pm. MPs can also claim the cost of a hotel and subsistence if they have to stay overnight away

from London and their constituency for work." SECURITY All security measures are funded to keep MPs, their staff, and their families safe. HOW THE CLAIM IS MADE : "This cost is

paid directly to the security services provider arranged by the Members Security Service in the House of Commons. MPs are also able to claim for routine security items from their Office

Costs budget and claim the costs through reimbursement or using the IPSA payment card." DISABILITY This is to provide MPs and their staff with disability support to carry out their

roles. The funding provides reasonable adjustments to volunteers, job applicants, and constituents visiting the office. Claims are made by reimbursement claim or using the IPSA payment card.

For more information on what MPs can claim, visit the IPSA website. GET DAILY HEADLINES AND BREAKING NEWS EMAILED TO YOU - IT’S FREE