Moves to allow Members of Parliament to claim expenses for Christmas parties and decorations have been blasted by a Norfolk MP as a "crazy policy".
Brandon Lewis, MP for the borough of Great Yarmouth, has strongly hit out at rules that state MPs can claim the cost of food and refreshments for an office festive event or for a gathering in their constituencies.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has also approved spending on festive decorations for MPs' office and sending Christmas cards to constituency residents.
The body says Christmas parties can be a way of rewarding hard-working constituency staff as MPs see fit.
Mr Lewis has written to IPSA voicing his opposition to the expenses rules and says he will continue to treat his constituency staff to a Christmas party paid out of his own pocket.
He said: "Today's news shocker is the incredible revelation that MPs can now claim expenses for a staff Christmas party.
"Let me be clear I do not support this crazy policy. I share the dismay of many colleagues and constituents that this is allowed.
"I am unaware of any MPs requesting this measure from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
"I have written to the chairman of IPSA indicating my opposition to this unnecessary policy.
"It is not something I support or will be claiming.
"My team works incredibly hard but doesn’t require a taxpayer-funded party.
"Each year I arrange for a Christmas lunch to thank the team for their work throughout the year and that is always paid out of my own pocket - as is only right."
The rules make it clear MPs should not claim for alcohol on expenses and decorations are for indoors only.
IPSA is urging MPs to make sure their claims for get-togethers "represent value for money, especially in the current economic climate."
A spokesman for prime minister Rishi Sunak said he would not be claiming for a party, and that MPs would have to "justify all spending to their constituents".
IPSA says the rules, which are under a section called festive and celebratory events on its website detailing what MPs can claim, are not new.
IPSA responds to criticism
A statement from 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."
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