4th July 2010
MPs fork out extra following catering cost cuts

MPs are due to start paying extra for food and hospitality, in the wake of cuts to the House of Commons catering budget.

Parliament has announced that it will reduce the budget by £12 million for this year, expecting to save an additional 5% for 2010/2011.

A rise in catering prices is expected to generate an extra £500,000, bringing the in-house bars, cafes and restaurants in line with "typical workplace canteens" and High Street pubs.

The cost-cutting exercise will also put a freeze on all but essential recruitment.

According to The Independent, House of Commons Commission spokesman and senior Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell said:

"The Commission fully recognises the need to respond to the economic challenges facing the country and to reduce the cost of the House to the public purse.

"As a first step, we have taken immediate steps to reduce the House budget this year in line with similar reductions taking place elsewhere in the public sector. This will be an ongoing process and hard decisions will have to be made while continuing to ensure the delivery of effective parliamentary services to Members and the public."

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