Financial support for Members of the House of Lords

4.46Members of the House of Lords do not receive a salary.1 However, all Members, except those who receive a salary under the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975 and the Chairman and Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees, have been entitled to an allowance. This allowance is payable in respect of each day of attendance at a sitting of the House or a committee of the House, and in respect of attendance on such other parliamentary business as may be determined by the House of Lords Commission.

The allowance is £300. A lower allowance of £150 is payable if the Member elects to receive a lower amount. Members are required to certify that they are receiving the allowance in respect of parliamentary work. Those who do not wish to receive the allowance need not claim it.

Members participating in certain categories of business away from Westminster are also entitled to receive a daily allowance of £150. Other costs, such as travel, accommodation and subsistence, may also be reimbursed.2

Lords Members who live outside Greater London may claim reimbursement for travel to and from Westminster. Where Members do not use a House of Lords travel credit card, reimbursement for travel by public transport is on the basis of receipts or tickets. Claims for vehicle mileage are accompanied by details of individual journeys and only one claim can be made per journey, per vehicle.

The arrangements for the allowances scheme are supervised by the House of Lords Commission.