MPs offices have been a vital signposting & advice hub for constituents who are fearful & concerned about #COVIDー19 and the impact of it. Staff have had huge workloads & are trying to help - this funding was made available to make that support more effective. 1/9 https://twitter.com/estwebber/status/1248140419055132672

This was covered at release by a number of outlets, and it seemed clear the funding was available for facilitating WFH arrangements so staff could continue to help MPs to help constituents. 2/9

But this article seems to suggest that the funding might be used by MPs & questions IPSA for the size and structure of the support. In addition, it makes little effort to detail the long standing checks in place to make sure the expenses scandal isn't repeated. 3/9

Furthermore, one of the co-authors seems content to spread the notion that MPs will use this fund to buy lawnmowers? Suggesting he doesn't know such checks exist. 4/9

We need to have an open, honest, & knowledgeable conversation about the cost of democracy and how we best use taxpayers money - but we need the space to do that sensibly and this article attempts to engage with one but not the other. Such pieces absolutely need to do both. 5/9