Watchdog apologises for saying MPs’ Christmas party costs are claimable

Ipsa's earlier advice on expenses for food and decorations led to MPs receiving abuse from the public

The MPs' expenses watchdog has apologised for telling parliamentarians they could claim back some costs for Christmas parties.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), a body created largely as a response to the MPs' expenses scandal in 2009, had been widely criticised for its initial decision.