Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what is the annual cost of the House of Lords, including all expenses related to Members, staff and the running and maintenance of all associated parliamentary buildings.

The most recent audited costs of the House of Lords are the 2023-24 financial year. In that year the costs of the House of Lords excluding non-cash items was £143,814,000. This cost includes costs directly relating to the Members Finance Scheme (including allowances and travel expenses), staffing costs (including House of Lords share of the costs of joint department staff), costs associated with the running and maintenance of parliamentary buildings, and other running costs such as Digital, Broadcasting, Catering and Security. It does not include non-cash items, such as depreciation and revaluation adjustments.

The costs for the 2024-25 financial year are currently being audited.

Further details of the House of Lords accounts are available in the Annual Report and Accounts, published on the parliamentary website.