The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has concluded that Pensions Minister, Paul Maynard, broke expenses rules when he used IPSA-funded equipment beyond the bounds of his agreement with the watchdog.

In January, IPSA opened an investigation into Maynard’s alleged use of his constituency office and IPSA-funded office equipment for non-parliamentary purposes.

Under IPSA’s rules, MPs can only claim for costs they incur to fulfil their parliamentary duties, although ISPA and Maynard had a repayment agreement in place whereby the minister could occasionally use ISPA-funded equipment and his constituency office for non-parliamentary purposes.

The investigation report stated that Maynard had “reasonably believed” he had put in place an agreement with IPSA to allow the occasional use of his constituency office for non-parliamentary purposes, and made regular payments to the watchdog for this purpose.

However, it said it considered that the “frequent use” of IPSA-funded office equipment, such as a ‘Riso’ printer, went beyond the bounds of this agreement, even if some of the usage costs were covered by the local Conservative Association.

Following his investigation, the compliance officer found that the Pensions Minister had breached expenses rules and requested a repayment of £1,367, which Maynard paid on 2 May 2024.

IPSA stated that a number of mitigating factors were taken into account, including the existence of an agreement in place with the watchdog.

It cleared the Pensions Minister of any wrongdoing regarding his “higher than average” claim of £106,000 for printing and related costs from 2010 to 2024.

“The matter has been rectified and the MP’s claims have been brought back into compliance,” IPSA stated.

Commenting on the investigation's findings, Maynard said: “I am grateful to the compliance officer for his time in considering this matter. I welcome his report, which makes no direct criticism of me or of my office, and accept the findings.

“I have implemented his recommendations and already reimbursed IPSA the sum recommended. I also agree with IPSA that despite our best intentions, navigating the dual use of a constituency office can, at times, be inherently complicated. I have now ceased this arrangement.”

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