When we receive a Review request, we will acknowledge the request within two working days. We will then write to IPSA to inform them that an MP has submitted a claim for a Compliance Review. In this letter of notification, IPSA will be asked to confirm that the claim has been reconsidered by IPSA’s own internal review function, and whether that process has been completed.

Following confirmation from IPSA, our first step is to assess the information the MP has provided and to determine what additional information is required in order to complete a full and independent Review. We will then request any additional necessary information from the MP and IPSA to complete the Review.

On receiving the additional information, the Compliance Officer will consider the information and the rules of the MPs’ Expenses Scheme, and any subsequent policy interpretations.

During the Review process the Compliance Officer will also assess the IPSA’s validation process, so as to ensure he fully understands why IPSA refused the claim(s) in question.

The Compliance Officer will then determine whether IPSA’s decision should be confirmed or altered.

Once the Compliance Officer has concluded his Review, he will send a statement of his decision to IPSA and to the MP. In the statement the Compliance Officer will set out whether he has confirmed or altered IPSA’s determination.

He may also make findings about the way in which IPSA dealt with the claim in question.

Following the statement of the Compliance Officer’s findings, the MP has 28 days to appeal the decision to the First-tier Tribunal.

After the 28 day period has passed or any relevant appeals have been completed, IPSA will make any payments or adjustments necessary to give effect to the Compliance Officer’s decision.

The Compliance Officer will publish his decision statement once all the review stages have been completed.

A copy of the procedures for publication can be found here.