According to the new guidance, the expense of decorations can also be passed on to the taxpayer, however, several MPs have rejected the verdict as “universally unpleasant.”
MPs can for the first time deduct the cost of food and drink at their staff Christmas parties from their expenses.
According to instructions from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, alcohol cannot be included in a “hospitality” claim, thus taxpayers will foot the bill for the celebrations (IPSA).
The guidance was provided by the spending watchdog in response to commonly asked questions about how members of Congress and their staff might celebrate the holiday season.
In their parliamentary or constituency offices, was stated that “MPs may claim the cost of food and beverages for an office party.”
The guidance allows for the expenditure of lights, tinsel, and a Christmas tree as “festive decorations.”
MPs have been cautioned, however, to be sensitive to the cost of living crisis, and any claims “should demonstrate value for money, particularly in the current economic situation.”
Some have criticized the plan, with the TaxPayers’ Alliance stating that members of Congress “already have it made without taxpayer-funded office trips.”
In addition, the official spokeswoman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that all spending must be justified to residents.
Labour’s Jess Philips, however, stated that “no one asked for this, and no one I know would use it,” adding that it was “very irresponsible” of IPSA to provide the guidance “as if MPs were clamoring for it when I’ve never heard anyone do that.”
She posted on Twitter: “I will host a Christmas party for my staff at my home, where I will prepare and pay for all food and beverages. I stress that there was no demand for this from members of Congress and that it is foolish.”
James Cleverly, the foreign minister, also posted her comments on social media.
Another Labour representative, Chris Bryant, added: “I am unaware of any member of Congress who has requested or plans to utilize this. It is completely wrong, and I surely will not accept it.”
Stewart McDonald of the SNP termed the IPSA’s decision “absurd” and urged the organization to rescind the “universally undesirable” suggestion.
Senior Tory backbencher David Davis stated on TalkTV that the watchdog had “missed the tone of the age” and that the recommendation was “crazy.”
“We must spend a great deal of taxpayer money on providing offices and services, among other things,” he continued. “Christmas gatherings strike me as a somewhat odd choice, especially this year of all years.”
