Party Leaders' Expenses 9.1 A qualifying party leader shall be eligible for a party leaders’ provision under this part of the Scheme for the purpose of providing support to carry out the extra duties as a Parliamentary party leader, including the role of a party spokesperson or representative. 9.2 The duties referred to in sub paragraph (9.1) shall: a. include any work on the preparation of (i) briefing notes (ii) speeches and (iii) attendance at an event to which the qualifying party leader has been invited to give a presentation on his or her party's policies in the Parliament; but b. excludes any work on the preparation of briefing notes and speeches and attendance at a party-political conference or a seminar, workshop or meeting with party activists and canvassing for party political support, whether during an election or otherwise, and fundraising for a political party and any constituency case work. 9.3 Without prejudice to the generality of sub paragraph (9.1) above, the provision may be used for the following: i. the employment of staff (which shall, in relation to employees include the costs of employer's National Insurance contribution and any pension contributions); 8 ii. necessary office accommodation costs; iii. to meet travel and overnight expenses (which shall include car hire and taxi fares) of the qualifying party leader and any staff referred to in (i) above relating to travel within Scotland and travel commencing within Scotland to destinations within the UK (but outside Scotland) and return incurred whilst undertaking the duties of a Parliamentary party leader, or in the case of one of his or her staff, assisting a Parliamentary party leader in his or her duties. iv. to meet travel and overnight expenses outside the UK including those of staff not covered by (9.3) (iii) for meetings as part of the duties of a Parliamentary party leader, or in the case of staff assisting with those duties, provided that the SPCB authorises such travel in advance. v. office equipment and furniture, where not provided for centrally. 9.4 Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the maximum amount per qualifying party leader which may be claimed in a financial year will be calculated as follows: (a) A fixed sum per annum applicable to eligible party leaders of a registered political party with 5 or more members plus an amount per member subsequently returned for that party at an election. 9.5 For the period beginning 7 May 2026 and ending 31 March 2027, the relevant amount shall be a fixed sum of £20,000 plus £1,500 per member of that registered party. 9.6 For any subsequent period of one year beginning 1 April 2027, the fixed amount and amount per member of the party shall be increased having regard to such indices as the SPCB considers appropriate. 9.7 Subject to sub paragraph (9.6), where a member becomes a qualifying party leader during a financial year the amount which may be claimed shall be the pro rata amount due from the date...