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Original poster

Why do MPs get subsidised food?

195 replies

IShotTheDeputyItWasMe · 27/03/2025 13:51

Ok, if they are travelling, they should not be out of pocket. Like many workers, they should be able to claim reasonable expenses depending how long they are away on work trips etc.

However, I've never known any pubpic sector workplace put alcohol on expenses as standard. I've also never known any workplace to pay for their workers lunches when they are in their normal place of work.

Some companies may run a subsidised canteen but that will come put of the company profits, not the public purse.

Basically, why do we pay to subsidise food and then pay again to cover unreasonable food costs?

OP posts:
HousedInMySoul · 27/03/2025 20:36

Coffeeishot · 27/03/2025 20:32

Have a shandy whilst you are there 😀

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Yes, plenty of time in my 30 minute break! Hang on though, maybe it's not a good idea to drink alcohol when you're doing an essential job that could affect the lives of lots of other people . . .??

Upupandaway10 · 27/03/2025 20:36

JohnTheRevelator · 27/03/2025 17:26

Because they are a bunch of freeloaders.

Unfortunately yes

HousedInMySoul · 27/03/2025 20:34

Strawberryjammam · 27/03/2025 20:28

2 points:
This isn't a race to the bottom. Hospital staff and police should have decent canteens too.
MPs are really underpaid for the role they do when you compare to private sector. If we want decent people from a range of backgrounds we need to make it attractive.

Ok so maybe MPs could make this available for hospital staff.
Then perhaps their constituents might have more sympathy when MPs make sure their own needs are met??

CATCHUP7 · 27/03/2025 20:33

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Upupandaway10 · 27/03/2025 20:33

MoreChocPls · 27/03/2025 17:24

Because they are in it for themselves. Selfish people.

Yes

jewelcase · 27/03/2025 20:32

I know it’s unfashionable but I think MPs’ expenses are reasonable.

I’d prefer to ask why perks aren’t the norm for everyone rather than try to remove perks for those lucky enough to have them.

clinellwipe · 27/03/2025 20:32

I don’t know how many times at work I’ve been bollocked for “stealing” a teabag from the ward trolley as a doctor , have even been threatened with getting my line manager involved. For having a cup of tea at work ! I don’t see why NHS staff aren’t allowed free horrible tea/coffee but MPs get all these expenses

Coffeeishot · 27/03/2025 20:32

HousedInMySoul · 27/03/2025 20:31

I'll have to ask round tomorrow when I go in for my nightshift, for some reason this has never been mentioned. That would definitely take the edge off. Maybe I'll not bother taking food in with me and just get a bar snack instead 🤔

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Have a shandy whilst you are there 😀

Coffeeishot · 27/03/2025 20:31

Silentdream · 27/03/2025 20:05

MP pay is rubbish. If they just have their basic salary and no other perks then you’d end up with an even worse calibre of person putting themselves forward.

What ?

HousedInMySoul · 27/03/2025 20:31

Coffeeishot · 27/03/2025 19:50

Yes I'm sure my local NHS trust hospital has "the needle arms" that sell booze to their consultants and nurses.

Edited
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I'll have to ask round tomorrow when I go in for my nightshift, for some reason this has never been mentioned. That would definitely take the edge off. Maybe I'll not bother taking food in with me and just get a bar snack instead 🤔

Ginmonkeyagain · 27/03/2025 20:30

It also sells subsidised breakfast. No bar tho!

Ginmonkeyagain · 27/03/2025 20:30

My work canteen sells main cooked meals for £3.95 - veggie and £4.10 - meat or fish.

Strawberryjammam · 27/03/2025 20:28

2 points:
This isn't a race to the bottom. Hospital staff and police should have decent canteens too.
MPs are really underpaid for the role they do when you compare to private sector. If we want decent people from a range of backgrounds we need to make it attractive.

CrispieCake · 27/03/2025 20:21

Because we're all worried about the poor dears being undernourished.

ResumedDeliveryBets · 27/03/2025 20:21

A few years ago ago my husband then working in local government needed to attend a high court case in London for a couple of nights along with a couple of elected councillors. We are North Midlands. I found it shocking that his evening meal allowance was £5.50 (so out of pocket on an enforced work trip to eat in London) while the councillors allowance was £25. They also both took home more in annual allowances than his LA wage as a specialist.

Justasmallgless · 27/03/2025 20:13

Wingedharpy · 27/03/2025 20:06

Where in the world is that happening?
Does Pharmacy offer cut price crack to go with it?

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Quick google and I can’t find reference to any hospital having a bar.
30 years ago, same as police stations but they have all long gone.

I really struggle to see how alcohol is made available on the premises but even more so at subsided rates

Pigsears · 27/03/2025 20:13

Is normal place of work is constituency? In which case, should be able to expense to get to HOP and then expense lunch. Having a canteen is probs cheaper than them all running out to Pret... And less time wasted too. ?

I imagine same as any job where you have to attend a different location to regular work place- you can claim lunch as expenses and travel to / from as an expense.

Wingedharpy · 27/03/2025 20:06

MyLimeGuide · 27/03/2025 19:27

Hospitals have bars too for workers- cheap prices for staff, same thing.

Show quote history

Where in the world is that happening?
Does Pharmacy offer cut price crack to go with it?

Silentdream · 27/03/2025 20:05

MP pay is rubbish. If they just have their basic salary and no other perks then you’d end up with an even worse calibre of person putting themselves forward.

Jeezitneverends · 27/03/2025 20:01

IHeartHalloumi · 27/03/2025 17:33

Unlike shift workers in the NHS who get - oh no wait we get a canteen that shuts at 7.

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Police here-our canteen closed down years ago!

MissMarplesNiece · 27/03/2025 19:58

GasPanic · 27/03/2025 19:34

Suppose it depends whether you factor in the cost of providing the MPs with security when they are dining out, and the cost and time of transiting backwards and forwards to all those restaurants of course.

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Most MPs don't get security when they're out and about.

LizTruss · 27/03/2025 19:56

GasPanic · 27/03/2025 17:40

What is the latest parliament can stay open until ?

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If I recall my Permanent Secretary correctly, it's some like;
The latest time the UK Parliament can stay open depends on the type of business being conducted. Generally:

  • The House of Commons and House of Lords usually sit from 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM, and sittings typically end by 10:30 PM on weekdays.
  • However, there are extended sittings, especially during debates, voting, or in the case of important legislation. These extended sittings can sometimes last until midnight or even beyond.
  • In rare cases, Parliament may sit through the night (often referred to as "sitting until the small hours") for crucial debates or voting sessions, such as during significant votes on legislation.
So, while it's rare, Parliament can theoretically stay open until 'very late', even past midnight, during particularly important or contentious debates.

But I think we automatically get a box of Rover Assortment biscuits to rummage through if it we are there 'very late' - I know I did!

Supporthelittleguys · 27/03/2025 19:56

They also pay the least council tax!

In 2024/25, Wandsworth has the lowest council tax in the UK, with a Band D bill of £961. Westminster is second, with a Band D bill of £973.

Laughable really, except it isn’t…

Coffeeishot · 27/03/2025 19:50

MyLimeGuide · 27/03/2025 19:27

Hospitals have bars too for workers- cheap prices for staff, same thing.

Show quote history

Yes I'm sure my local NHS trust hospital has "the needle arms" that sell booze to their consultants and nurses.

Hoppinggreen · 27/03/2025 19:46

Me and DH have solved all of this
We plan to build a new Parliament near The NEC and have a (nice) hotel attached with a big car park and good rail links to everywhere.
Rooms and food is free and a decent standard but not Michelin or anything
No need for 2nd homes, expenses or anything