MSPs’ expenses surge by nearly £2million in a year, new report reveals

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The amount of money MSPs spent on expenses over the last year has surged by nearly £2million. Figures released by the Scottish Parliament show expenses for the 2023/24 financial year reached £25.35million – £1.89million (8%) more than the year before.

Some £20.6million (81%) of the cash was used to cover staff costs at MSPs’ parliamentary and constituency offices. The rest of the money was used on the costs of running an office, travel and accommodation, among other things.The party leaders’ allowance ballooned by 63 per cent to £46,012 – up from £28,220 the year before.

It is the second consecutive year the figure has doubled. In 2021/22, the leaders’ allowance was just £11,510, although it was £38,778 in 2020/21 and £36,873 in 2019/20.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said the rise in expenses this year was due to high levels of inflation and increasing wages.