Payoffs for MPs who lose seats or resign at general election set to double

The Independent says Payoffs for MPs who lose their seats or are not running at the next election are set to double as millions of people across the country struggle with the cost of living squeeze.

The so-called “winding down” payments, which will rise from £8,600 to £17,300, are designed to help departing members close their offices and manage the departure of staff.

A think tank described the move as a “kick in the teeth” for taxpayers. But the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which regulates MPs’ pay and approved the hike, said the changes could save money because MPs’ staff should no longer need payment in lieu of notice.

Ahead of the last election in 2019, MPs received a payment covering two months after losing their seats, but IPSA said this was too short and increased it to four months.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-winding-down-payments-doubled-b2399239.html