Members Office Costs

HC Deb 24 June 1992 vol 210 c230W

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Lord President of the Council what is the estimated cost of increasing the office costs allowance for hon. Members by 25 per cent.

Mr. Newton

The office costs allowance represents a maximum sum against which a Member may claim actual expenses incurred. The cost arising from an increase in the maximum of the OCA would depend, therefore, on the extent to which the allowable expenses of Members increased. The maximum additional cost of a 25 per cent. increase in the OCA would be around £4.7 million in a full year.