Peers claimed almost £15million in allowances and expenses over the last year, figures reveal.
Members of the House of Lords pocketed £13.2million for their daily allowances between August 2020 and July 2021, research by the House of Commons Library found.
A further £1.7million was claimed in expenses – despite Covid restrictions meaning many proceedings were carried out remotely.
Members of House of Lords were present during the State Opening of Parliament, which was performed by the Queen on December 19, 2019.
Unlike MPs, peers are not paid salaries but they can claim a £323 allowance for in-person attendance or £162 for remotely joining the Lords.
Analysis by the SNP found that 22,140 speeches were made in the time period – equating to an average claim of £674 per contribution in expenses and allowances.
Pete Wishart of the SNP claimed that these ‘ludicrous amounts’ are more proof why the second chamber, which seats 780 people, should be replaced.
Pete Wishart, a SNP MP (pictured), said that the amounts were further evidence that the House of Lords needs to be replaced by an elected higher house
The House of Lords spokeswoman said that the numbers represented a drop in the amount of total money claimed compared to the previous year because of the changes in “work practices” during the pandemic.
A spokesperson said that the House of Lords “is a busy, effective revising Chamber” and suggested that all members of the UK could contribute to it and receive support to pay the associated costs.
An opinion poll of 2207 adults across the UK revealed that 9 per cent are against an entire House of Lords.
The Savanta ComRes poll, which was conducted in November, showed that 22% of UK citizens supported the abolishment of the Lords, while 30% believed that the second chamber should remain entirely elected.