Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is a body created by the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009, largely as a response to the parliamentary expenses scandal in that same year.

IPSA has two main roles: it regulates the expenses system and administers and pay Members of the House of Commons’ expenses and their salaries.

Following revisions to the Parliamentary Standards Act in April 2010 (via the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010), IPSA was also given responsibility for setting the level of MPs' salaries.

Activities

Our rules are a clean break from the old system of allowances. The new rules are fair (to MPs and the public purse), workable and transparent. We subject all expense claims to rigorous verification and auditing.

We have clear processes enabling MPs to request reviews of our decisions, and members of the public can contact the Compliance Officer if they have concerns about a claim.

IPSA is independent of parliament, government and of political parties. In everything we do, we focus on our main duty; to serve the interests of the public.

People

• Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, Chair IPSA
• John Sills, Director of Policy, IPSA
• Peter Davis, Compliance Officer for IPSA - "Peter retired from the police service as a chief superintendent in 2010, after more than 30 years of service. Since then, he has worked for the Home Office on the Counter Terrorism agenda. His police career has included roles with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Independent Police Complaints Commission."
• Philip Lloyd, Director of Finance and Corporate Services
• Bob Evans, former Director of Finance and Corporate Services, IPSA