According to the campaign, MPs can tuck into three-course meals for just over £10 in Westminster, with subsidies reportedly invested across 17 bars and eateries.
Subsidizing meals in the House of Commons for politicians and parliamentary pass holders is thought to cost the UK taxpayer up to £7 million a year.
While those in Westminster can take advantage of publicly funded meal discounts, the campaign pointed out that three million Brits relied on food banks last year alone.
This disparity is something that the NPFB is trying to raise awareness of, calling for more priority on ending poverty and hunger across the UK.
“This misuse of public funds is especially unsavoury given the growing food insecurity, and politicians have been branded “out of touch” for their response to the Cost-of-Living Crisis, with comments suggesting poor people “cannot cook properly” and “cannot budget”. Meanwhile, MPs enjoy restaurant-quality meals on the cheap, thanks to public subsidies,” the campaign says.
MPs currently earn an annual salary of £91,346 and have access to a number of bars and restaurants on-site in the Commons.
Some signatories shared their thoughts in response to the petition, with one adding: “I’ve got no problem with food being available for MPs but they should be offered the equivalent of school dinners. If those meals are good enough for children they should be good enough for MPs.”
Another wrote: “Our parliament should be working to reduce inequalities and to ensure food insecurity is eradicated. Instead, they use our taxes to subsidise their luxury lifestyles.”
So, what perks do MPs get when it comes to their food? Here’s what you need to know.
Millions of Brits rely on food banks (Jonathan Brady/PA)
PA Wire
Can MPs claim expenses for food?
According to a request under the Freedom of Information Act, MPs used to be able to claim up to £15 for evening meals as part of their expenses, excluding alcohol.
However, that has since changed.
Based on the latest MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses, MPs don’t have a daily meal allowance as part of their expenses.
So, MPs are expected to pay for food and don’t get a reimbursement for their meal expenses. However, some food is subsidised so they pay a discounted price.
Former PM Boris Johnson pictured having a school dinner with kids in Feltham
Jeremy Selwyn
Do MPs get catered food in the commons?
According to the UK Parliament website, around 650 Members of Parliament and 14,500 staff have access to on-site catering.
Restaurants and dining rooms in Westminster also host private events, and some venues profit from this.
How much is spent on subsidising MPs’ food in the Commons?
In 2022, it cost around £7.5 million to operate the catering services across the House of Commons, according to Full Fact.
While past reports have suggested that spending on catering was in the realm of £17 million, this covered a period of three years.
Official reports maintain that there’s been a reduction in food subsidies in recent years, but there’s also been a lot of waste.
