Family, carers and dependant travel

MPs may request funding for journeys by their spouse or partner between their constituency and London.

MPs may also request funding for journeys by their dependants between their constituency and London.

Where a dependant needs assistance from a carer other than an MP’s spouse or partner while travelling, the cost of the carer’s journey may also be funded. Where the carer requires an overnight hotel stay, IPSA will pay for the cost of the hotel.

MP’s carers may also claim for the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks when staying overnight in line with the limits on subsistence.

See guidance on help with caring responsibilities.

Evidence required for funding requests

MPs’ dependants, spouses or partners and other carers must be registered with IPSA before their travel can be funded.

You must retain and submit with funding requests the required evidence such as invoices or receipts to show the journey, dates and costs.

Guidance updated on April 2026.

IPSA will not fund any other UK travel except between the constituency and London, or any international travel for an MP's spouse/partner, dependants or carers except where Parliament is recalled.

Alcoholic drinks will not be funded under any circumstances.

Guidance updated on April 2026.

To meet IPSA's regulatory principles of parliamentary purpose and integrity, the main reason for the stay must be to enable an MP to carry out their parliamentary work in two places while maintaining their family and caring responsibilities, and should not provide any personal advantage.

The best value for money option must be selected.

Could this be seen as a personal journey with a parliamentary purpose ‘bolted on’ to allow it to be funded?

Are the hotel and journey types selected the best value for money option?

Contact the Parliamentary Travel Office.

If you are unsure how activities or spending aligns with IPSA's regulatory principles, contact your account manager or payroll officer.