A Westminster watchdog is to dock thousands of pounds from a Scottish MP’s salary in a dispute over travel and staff accommodation expenses.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has ruled that Eric Joyce, the MP for Falkirk, must repay £10,000 after it reviewed several of his earlier claims.
Mr Joyce, 54, is to stand down at the general election in May and Ipsa has demanded that he repay the full amount before the country goes to the polls.
However, the independent MP, who was convicted of assault in 2012 after he head-butted a fellow MP, has refused to repay the figure, which was originally set at £12,919.61 in January.
If he refuses to return the cash before he leaves parliament he faces being pursued through the civil courts.
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Expenses officials have now made the unprecedented decision to collect the money by deducting about £1,000 a month from the MP’s pay.
Mr Joyce said: “Ipsa said that because the election is so close I have to pay it immediately. I’ve refused until Peter Davis [the compliance officer] has confirmed Ipsa is correct, or otherwise. As I’m refusing, they’re just docking a grand a month off my salary.
“Ipsa disputes that my office sought full advice from it prior to the claims beginning. I will provide proof to the compliance officer that Ipsa is wrong.”
Ipsa said: “We are in discussions with Mr Joyce regarding repayment of this amount. The MP has a duty to repay the sum due, and our duty is to ensure that the taxpayer does not lose out.”