Politicians were today urged to pay off their outstanding food and drink debts ahead of the General Election, with bills expected to run into the tens of thousands.
MPs were instructed to settle unpaid lunch and dining bills before Parliament is dissolved on March 30.
Bars at Westminster, including Strangers’, do not allow MPs to put drinks on tabs. But MPs do not have to pay immediately for other catering costs in some of Parliament’s restaurants, tea rooms and private dining rooms.
Guidance issued by the Commons authorities to MPs — whether they are standing for re-election or not — states: “Please settle all outstanding House of Commons catering and retail accounts in full before dissolution.
“Accounts will be suspended during the dissolution period and you will not have access to any credit facilities.”
Figures released under freedom of information laws reveal money owed by MPs who had not paid for catering services after more than 90 days.
Stephen Gilbert, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell and Newquay, had the highest outstanding debt after 90 days at £1,291, according to an FOI request last July. The bill, for a dinner in the Commons, is now understood to have been paid off.
MPs were also told to pay off sums owed to the Commons finance department, such as phone bills, as well as bills for IT equipment.
They were advised to be clear with their staff if they were likely to lose their seat, which would also leave their office workers without a job.
The dissolution guidance says: “You must inform your staff as soon as possible of the likelihood of redundancy.”
MPs were warned they still need to consult staff on redundancy and follow appropriate procedure to avoid the risk of unfair dismissal claims and being taken to an employment tribunal.
Outgoing MPs who served London constituencies can claim up to £57,150 in office “winding up” costs, incurred for up to two months after polling day, to pay for staff salaries and other contractual liabilities such as rent and equipment hire. The figure is £53,950 for MPs outside London.
MPs who are voted out will receive a resettlement payment of up to £33,500, depending on how long they served.
MPs were told cars should be removed from Parliament’s car park, though they can be left there for “short periods” if MPs pop in during dissolution, for example to pick up mail.
