Despite promises of reform after the 2009 expenses scandal, MPs' claims have risen by 43% since David Cameron became prime minister, according to a new book by Martin Williams. Total business costs and expenses increased from £79m in 2010/11 to £113m in 2014/15, with flight expenses up 50% to over £1m a year and second-home rental costs rising from £6.2m to £9.3m over the same period.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), set up in 2009 to oversee MPs' pay and expenses, has tightened rules but critics say transparency remains limited. Ipsa publishes expenses data online, but crucial details such as the full names of companies paid by MPs are omitted, and Freedom of Information requests often return heavily redacted documents.
Many MPs resent the restrictions, particularly on taxis. One Conservative MP told the author: 'Ipsa aren't interested in what’s fair – they’re only interested in the rules. MPs call it “I’m Paid Sod All”.' An anonymous Ipsa survey from 2014 revealed some MPs calling for less transparency to allow first-class travel without press scrutiny.
Hotel expenses remain a significant area of spending, with MPs claiming over £700,000 in one year. Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen claimed nearly £25,000 over a year, staying 165 nights at a London hotel with a pool, sauna, and spa after his marriage breakdown. The book argues that while some improvements have been made, the expenses system has not undergone the 'clean break' promised.
