MPs will be banned from claiming expenses for dinners, TV licences and pre-11pm taxis after the general election – even if their 10% pay hike does not go ahead.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) proposed a raft of curbs to perks in 2013 as part of a wider package that included salaries rising from £67,000 to £74,000.
But the watchdog has now confirmed that politicians’ expenses will be cut from May 8, even though the pay rise is still subject to review and David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have signalled they may block it.
The move – which is likely to cause anger among MPs who already complain that the system leaves them out of pocket – emerged as Ipsa announced expenses rules for the next parliament.
Staffing budgets are to go up 1% to £147,000 for London area MPs, and £140,000 for those from outside the capital. The office costs budget is rising 0.5% to reflect inflation, but accommodation budgets have been frozen.
Ipsa said: “We will implement the rule changes agreed in December 2013, including removing hospitality claims and the late sitting food subsidy.
“We have tightened the rules on taxis and hotels after late sittings of the House.
“We will no longer allow claims, under the accommodation rules, for TV licences and home contents insurance.”