Why do MSPs get paid allowances or ‘expenses’ on top of their salaries?
Some people have asked me about the allowances or ‘expenses’ paid to MSPs on top of their salaries. Allowances are paid to MSPs to cover the costs involved in running constituency offices and employing members of staff. Because MSPs run offices and employ staff, like any small business there are the running costs of a small office which must be paid.
There are separate allowances for staffing, office costs, and travel costs, and other individual, smaller allowances. More information is available on the Scottish Parliament website.