Question

To ask the hon. Member for Warrington North, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, whether Hon Members whose (a) council tax and (b) energy bills are refunded by IPSA will qualify for the £100 reduction.

The Government announced in the Autumn Budget that households living in properties in council tax bands A to D as their main home would receive a Household Energy Payment of £100. Detailed guidance has not yet been published, but we understand that the rebate will be paid directly to eligible households by councils.

IPSA will not have a role in determining whether an MP’s household is eligible to receive the payment. If an MP in receipt of IPSA funding for council tax and utilities on their parliamentary accommodation does receive the rebate, then in assuring themselves that they have complied with IPSA’s regulatory principle of Integrity, they should repay or reduce the amount of reimbursement requested from IPSA by a corresponding amount.