MSPs’ Shocking Expenses Revealed: Claims Include Toilet Seat, Scourers, and Bleach!

Members of the Scottish Parliament accumulated over £27 million in expenses last year.

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In the past year, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have filed claims for a record-setting amount in expenses, including peculiar items such as a toilet seat, a sponge scourer, and bleach.

Holyrood officials reported a significant rise in total expenses, totaling over £27 million—a 7.6% increase from the previous year.

Specifically, the expenses included claims such as a toilet seat by Angus Robertson, the SNP constitution secretary, bleach by SNP MSP Colin Beattie, and a sponge scourer by the former first minister, Humza Yousaf.

This surge in expenses comes at a time when Scotland remains the most heavily taxed region in the UK, with individuals earning over £30,300 facing higher income taxes compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country.

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A representative from the Scottish Parliament stated that the bulk of these expense claims went towards staff salaries, which amounted to £22.57 million or 82.22% of the total expenses. The rest covered the operational costs of MSPs’ offices, travel, and support for party leaders not in government.

Callum McGoldrick from the TaxPayers’ Alliance voiced concerns over the escalating expenses, criticizing the increase in government costs and bureaucracy which he believes contribute to a higher tax burden without delivering substantial benefits. He emphasized the need for MSPs to be mindful of the taxpayers who fund these expenses.

Recent adjustments have seen an increase in various allowances, including a £1,000 rise in the cap for Edinburgh accommodation expenses, now set at £20,700 to support MSPs in their parliamentary duties.

Additionally, the allowance for hotel stays in the city has been increased by £10, reaching a new limit of £225 per night. Office expense allowances have also seen a £1,000 increase, now totaling £21,100. Furthermore, each MSP received a staffing budget of £156,900, up from £147,000 in the previous fiscal year.

The highest claim was filed by Scottish Conservative Edward Mountain, who represents the Highlands and Islands, totaling £74,145. Close behind were SNP MSP Alasdair Allan for Na h-Eileanan an Iar with £63,058, and Kenneth Gibson of SNP for Cunninghame North, who claimed £61,987.

Many of the disclosed expense claims were for relatively minor items, reflecting a detailed and comprehensive accounting of parliamentary spending. For example, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon claimed £11.04 in April 2024 for privacy film for an office door window.