While it is known that the Prime Minister enjoys two salaries, you may be wondering if they can also claim expenses.

The role of the Prime Minister is the most powerful in the government and has been occupied by 56 different office-holders over the years.

These have come from all parts of the country as well as numerous political parties like Labour, the Conservatives and Liberals (now Liberal Democrats).

How much is the British Prime Minister paid?

Prime Ministers are entitled to two salariesPrime Ministers are entitled to two salaries (Image: PA)

The Prime Minister is paid two separate salaries with one being for their role as an MP (£91,346 in 2024) and another for leading the government (£75,440).

Currently, the PM has a combined allowance of £166,786 but they do not need to claim all of this.

How much does the Prime Minister pay in tax and National Insurance?

While Prime Ministers tend to have other sources of income outside their roles, the money paid by those earning both the MP and PM salaries can be calculated on the PAYE Tax Calculator.

Those earning £166,786 per year, located outside of Scotland and who are below the state pension age would have an income tax of around £61,256.70 and a National Insurance bill of around £5,346.32.

This would equate to an annual take-home pay of £100,182.98.

Can the Prime Minister claim expenses?

Prime Ministers may claim expenses for a number of things, including travel and staffing costs.

Costs incurred by acting PMs are broken down into two matters; whether they are acting in their capacity as Prime Minister and whether they are acting in their capacity as MP on business for their constituency.

Boris Johsnon was entitled to over £18,000 after stepping down as PMBoris Johsnon was entitled to over £18,000 after stepping down as PM (Image: PA)

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Can former Prime Ministers claim expenses?

According to the Institute for Government, the Public Duty Costs Allowance (PSCA), which was established in the wake of Margaret Thatcher's resignation, allows former Prime Ministers still active in public life to claim expenses.

These expenses meet the actual costs of continuing to fulfil public duties.

Those eligible must claim up to £115,000 a year (for life) to help meet these costs.

Where does the UK Prime Minister live?

Do Prime Ministers get severance payments?

All Prime Ministers are entitled to a severance payment of 25% of their annual salary when they cease to hold the position and are not reappointed within three weeks.

For example, in 2022, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was entitled to £18,860.