MPs claiming expenses for ‘dependent’ children who are actually adults

Energy Minister Claire Perry is said to have claimed £9,846 for her three children aged 17, 19 and 22

Some MPs are claiming nearly £10,000 in expenses for ‘dependent children’ who are 18 or older and are studying at university. They’re entitled to up to £5,400 per child as a second home expense under guidelines designed to help MPs with families rent larger homes.

But many are topping up their £22,760 standard rental allowance by claiming for children in their 20s. Energy Minister Claire Perry is said to have claimed £9,846 for her three children aged 17, 19 and 22, the Telegraph reports.

The MP for Devizes who earns £111,148 a year insists all claims were compliant with expenses watchdog the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa). Although the age limit for claiming for children is 18, it goes up to 21 under certain circumstances including for children in full-time education who need care.

The Telegraph identified five other MPs who were also reportedly claiming allowances for adult children, two of whom have since agreed to return the money. Ipsa drew criticism for not being able to say which MPs had broken the rules and appeared to rely on their word.

Rules introduced in 2017 allow MPs to claim additional second home expenses of up to £5,400 per child.

The rule was originally intended to help MPs with children rent bigger homes but The Telegraph has discovered, following changes to the regulations, several are using the allowance to claim for adult children in their 20s.

Claire Perry voted against Labour’s bid to stop 1.1 million children missing out on free school meals

Clair Perry Is also known for her Tory food bank gloating.

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