WORKINGTON MP Mark Jenkinson has said he will not make a claim for Christmas parties for office staff, following guidance issued by IPSA.

MPs have been told for the first time that they can expense the cost of food and drink for staff Christmas parties to taxpayers.

Advice was issued from the expenses watchdog, Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), in response to 'frequently asked questions' about how MPs and their staff can celebrate during the festive season.

However, the 'hospitality' claims for Christmas parties cannot include alcoholic beverages, guidance from the Ipsa states.

Speaking to the Times & Star Mr Jenkinson said: "Every year I hold a Christmas party for parliamentary and political staff without a penny from taxpayer funded parliamentary office budgets.

"This year will be no different.

"There is no decision - or rather no change. This has always been the case, and I suspect few take it up."

Ipsa confirmed that: “MPs can claim the costs of food and refreshments for an office festive” in their parliamentary or constituency offices but warned, “no claims are allowed for alcohol”.

However, during the current cost of living crisis MPs have been warned to make sure that any claims "should represent value for money, especially in the current economic climate".

The announcement has been criticised from all sides of the House of Commons with a group of MPs saying that it is ‘universally unwelcome’.

READ MORE: MPs can claim expenses on Christmas parties for staff

In a statement published online on Tuesday, a spokesman for Ipsa said: "We are aware of concerns regarding the rules for MPs' festive and celebratory claims.

"Our rules have not changed.

"MPs employ, on average, five members of staff in their local constituencies to deal with casework from members of the public.

"These cases are often distressing for the constituent and staff member alike and working in that environment day in and day out is very challenging.

"As employers, it is entirely appropriate that MPs should, if they see fit, reward their staff with a modest gathering at Christmas.

"We are clear that alcohol is not included, that any event must represent value for money, is subject to publication for transparency and must not be party political in nature.

"It must be funded within existing budgets.

"To suggest that there is anything inappropriate in this is simply incorrect.

"We are disappointed with the interpretation of this normal employment practice at a time when MPs are receiving large amounts of abuse, particularly on social media."