The Funding Scheme for MPs – 19th edition

Published: 12 March 2026

On 12 March 2026, IPSA laid the 19th edition of The Funding Scheme for MPs before the House of Commons. The new Scheme, which will come into effect on 1 April 2026, reflects IPSA’s new principles-led approach to regulating the funding we provide to MPs in support of their parliamentary work. We have also incorporated changes to policy following the consultation conducted in late 2025.

A summary of the main changes to the Scheme and related policy is set out below. Further guidance will be provided by the beginning of the new financial year.

Changes to the Scheme document

  • This edition of the Scheme has been condensed to provide only the fundamental expectations, requirements and restrictions and other key information. The Scheme is supplemented by guidance on our website, which we can use more dynamically to support MPs and their staff.

  • The Scheme sets out our Regulatory Principles for MPs to adhere to in accessing IPSA funding, as well as reference to the MP Code of Conduct and Seven Principles of Public Life. For the first time, we have described IPSA’s approach to taking regulatory action where non-compliance is identified. This includes more serious action that may be taken where non-compliance is wilful or persistent and where options to further support and education have been exhausted.

  • We have consolidated information on how IPSA will determine and, where necessary, review funding requests. Information on the staffing, office costs, accommodation and travel budgets has also been consolidated to include the key information needed to set up and run an office, travel for business purposes, work from two locations and employ staff. The key information outlining the expectations of MPs for when they leave office has also been retained in the Scheme.

  • Much of the content in the current Scheme has been removed to guidance, where it more appropriately sits, including explanatory and descriptive information on IPSA processes; operational requirements; budget figures, cost limits and staff salary ranges; and the list of London-area constituencies and Outer London-area constituencies.

  • We have removed reference to contingency funding, reflecting the changes we are making to the way in which IPSA considers and approves additional financial support. A new framework for exceptional funding will be in place for the start of the 2026-27 financial year.

Policy changes following consultation

  • MPs as landlords or suppliers: Under the new Scheme, MPs will not be permitted to use IPSA funding for costs where another MP is the supplier or landlord. IPSA will take a proportionate and risk-based approach to transitioning for current arrangements/contracts.

  • Flexibility for Outer London-area MPs: The Scheme will allow flexibility for Outer London MPs to choose between receiving accommodation funding and receiving the London Area Living Payment. Impacted MPs will be invited to speak to their account manager in the first instance and should make such decisions in view of the integrity and value for money principles.

  • European travel by MPs’ staff members: The restriction on funding for parliamentary travel in Europe by MPs’ staff members will be removed. Such travel will only be funded for parliamentary purposes in support of the MP, and further guidance will signpost to information on data security, travel insurance and physical security considerations.

  • Deadline for funding requests: The prescriptive 90-day deadline for funding requests has been removed from the Scheme. In its place, guidance will set out good practice and we will work with offices to encourage and enable prompt submission.

  • Deadline for review requests: The prescriptive 14-day deadline for submission of review requests has also been removed. Guidance will set out good practice relating to timely requests in the interest of efficiency and better-quality information for both IPSA and MPs’ offices.

  • Additional accommodation funding for dependants: To improve fairness in the system, the so-called ‘dependant uplift’ will be provided to MPs for a more standard six-month transitional period after their dependent turns 18.

  • Reward and recognition payments: The limit on reward and recognition (R&R) payments for staff will be increased from £1,000 to £1,500 per staff member per year.

  • Arrangements for home-based staff: MPs’ staff members on home-based contracts will be entitled to the homeworking allowance only and will no longer be able to request reimbursement for homeworking costs, e.g. a proportion of their utility bills. This will not preclude the provision of other workplace adjustments or support.