MSPs can claim money back for "expenses" (costs). These must be costs from carrying out their duties in Parliament or helping their constituents.
Leaders of political parties may have extra duties. The Party Leaders’ Allowances Scheme provides support to qualifying party leaders to help them carry out these duties.
Any financial figures mentioned in the scheme are from the 2015/16 rates. Allowances rates are updated each year. See the Travel and Expenses Rates page for the current figures.
Party Leaders’ Expenses Scheme: Session 7 (196KB, pdf) posted 13 May 2026