Bank of England Governor on £575,000 a year claimed £83 in WFH expense

Bank of England Governor claimed £83 for computer equipment while WFH despite enjoying a pay package of £575,000 a year

• Bank of England allowed staff a budget of £375 each to cover cost of WFH 
• Mr Bailey took advantage with claims totalling £83.98, which he paid back since
• Critics branded claim ‘a slap in the face to all those who struggled during the pandemic’ 

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who sparked uproar by ignoring a call for staff to return to the office, took advantage of his own edict by claiming £83 for home office equipment, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Figures disclosed by a Freedom of Information request show that he made an expenses claim for a keyboard cover and screen protector for his tablet device, despite enjoying a pay package of £575,000 a year.

Critics last night branded the expenses claims ‘a slap in the face to all those who struggled during the pandemic’. 

John O’Connell, chief executive of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: ‘At a time when many businesses were struggling to stay afloat and taxpayers were facing economic ruin, Bank of England bureaucrats on supersized salaries were kitting out their home offices. 

‘Public bodies should consider these sensitivities before claiming work-from-home comforts.’ 

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, pictured, who sparked uproar by ignoring a call for staff to return to the office, took advantage of his own edict by claiming £83 for home office equipment, The Mail on Sunday can reveal

According to the newly released documents, the Bank of England has allowed staff members a budget of £375 each to cover the cost of home-working office equipment. 

Mr Bailey appears to have taken advantage of the generous offer, with his claims totalling £83.98. 

That is despite admitting to a Select Committee meeting last month that he earns more than half a million pounds a year. 

The expenses furore also comes as Mr Bailey has been accused of turning his Threadneedle Street offices in the City into a ‘ghost town’ as a result of his refusal to comply with guidance by the Government to return to offices. 

The move angered many City workers – including some frustrated staff at the Bank of England – who argued they risked losing deal-making and networking opportunities, with younger workers missing out on mentoring by experienced colleagues. Pictured: Finanical district in London 

Despite calls by Chancellor Rishi Sunak for employees to return to traditional working patterns, Mr Bailey told workers in September that they would not be compelled to abandon working from home. 

The move angered many City workers – including some frustrated staff at the Bank of England – who argued they risked losing deal-making and networking opportunities, with younger workers missing out on mentoring by experienced colleagues.

Last night, after The Mail on Sunday contacted the Bank for comment, it said Mr Bailey had paid back the expenses. 

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