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Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 14 January 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 January 2019 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 17 January 2019. A substantive answer was provided by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 January 2019 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Members: Official Hospitality

Question

To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much money is now owed by (a) hon. Members and (b) former hon Members for unpaid catering and hospitality bills at the House of Commons (i) in total, and (ii) as a proportion of the turnover of catering and hospitality in the House of Commons; and what steps the Commission is taking to ensure the collection of those debts.

Answer

The House of Commons has a debt management process regarding the recovery of monies owed by all parties. In relation to Members’ catering accounts, all sums due are expected to be settled within six weeks. Statements are sent out monthly and undisputed amounts owed are charged ten days later to the Members nominated card. Any amounts outstanding after the settlement date are followed up by emails, letters and telephone calls.

As shown in table 1, a total sum of £440 currently outstanding against catering and banqueting accounts is related to Member expenditure. There are no amounts outstanding in relation to former Members.

Amount outstanding relating to Members

Amount outstanding relating to former Members

FY 2018/19 Budget

£

% of budget

£

% of budget

Banqueting

-

0%

-

0%

£6,502,522

Catering

£440

0.009%

-

0%

£4,668,756

Total

£440

0.004%

-

0%

£11,171,278


Table 2 sets out the outstanding amounts owed to the House, broken into Member and non-member categories, where non-members consist of trade and internal customers.

Outstanding – Trade and internal customers

Outstanding - Members

FY 2018/19 Budget

£

% of budget

£

% of budget

Banqueting

£278,815

4.29%

-

0%

£6,502,522

Catering

£7,233

0.15%

£440

0.009%

£4,668,756

Total

£286,048

2.56%

£440

0.004%

£11,171,278

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
208188
Session
2017-19
Related items
Members: Official Hospitality
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Debts Catering Members Official hospitality
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk