Starmer’s Downing Street flat renovation cost the taxpayer nearly £30k | Politics | News
Keir Starmer spent nearly £30,000 renovating and furnishing the Downing Street flat he moved into after winning the general election.
Accounts revealed that £14,319.20 was spent on refurbishment and £15,442.47 on furniture for the flat at No11 during 2024-25.
The PM used effectively the maximum taxpayer funding allowed for redecorating and furnishing the No11 residence.
The previous occupant was Jeremy Hunt, who paid to have new carpets from his own pocket.
Rishi Sunak had chosen to live above No10, which he fitted out at his own expense while serving as Chancellor.
The upkeep allowance is a long-standing benefit of living in the grace-and-favour residences. The Prime Minister and Chancellor also do not have to pay bills for energy or other utilities.
They are charged a “benefit in kind” that is capped at 10% of their ministerial salaries. That means they contribute around £3,000 to cover all utilities and other expenses, and the sum will not go up.
Sir Keir, who earns £169,000 as PM and an MP, and Ms Reeves – paid around £161,000 – also benefit from some of the lowest council tax rates in the country in Westminster.
The PM’s aides would not be drawn on what improvements were carried out to the No11 residence, although they stressed to the Daily Mail that the Cabinet Office owns the new furniture.
They also pointed out that as a historic listed building the costs of doing any works were high.
The departmental accounts stated: “Across successive governments, Prime Ministers have received an allowance of up to £30,000 a year on average to contribute towards the costs associated with routine redecoration and modernisation of the residency within the Downing Street estate.
“During 2024 to 2025 the Cabinet Office spent £14,319.20 on refurbishment and £15,442.47 on furnishing the empty flat.
“Prime Ministers are given the choice of bringing their own items or allowing Cabinet Office to furnish on a modest basis in which case the items are permanently retained by Government.”
