Keir Starmer spent an additional £8,500 on his Downing Street apartment for refurbishment in the most recent financial year, according to the Cabinet Office's latest accounts. This expenditure occurred shortly before Starmer was ousted as Prime Minister.
The cost for "routine redecoration and modernisation" adds to the nearly £30,000 spent on the grace-and-favour flat during Starmer's first 12 months in the residence. Following his general election victory in July 2024, Starmer and his family moved into the apartment above No. 11 Downing Street, a residence often favored by Prime Ministers for its larger size compared to the No. 10 apartment.
During the 2024-25 financial year, the accounts show that £14,319.20 was allocated for refurbishment and £15,442.47 for furniture. The subsequent financial year saw £8,546 spent on refurbishment.
Starmer announced his departure as Prime Minister within months, following a mutiny by his own Members of Parliament. Andy Burnham subsequently took over the role in July. Prime Ministers are entitled to an allowance of up to £30,000 annually for the upkeep and furnishing of their official residence. They have the option to install their own furniture or have the Cabinet Office provide "modest" fittings, which remain government property.
Previous occupants also utilized this allowance. Jeremy Hunt, who occupied the No. 11 flat before Starmer, paid for new carpets himself. Rishi Sunak, meanwhile, chose to reside in the apartment above No. 10 Downing Street and funded its outfitting at his own expense while serving as Chancellor.
The allowance for the grace-and-favour residences is a long-standing perk. Additionally, Prime Ministers and Chancellors are not required to pay for energy or other utility bills. Instead, they are charged a "benefit in kind" capped at 10% of their ministerial salaries, amounting to approximately £3,000 to cover all utilities and related expenses, a sum that does not increase.
Sir Keir, who earned £169,000 as Prime Minister and an MP, also benefited from some of the lowest council tax rates in Westminster. A Downing Street spokesperson stated that these are routine annual accounts published transparently each year, noting that the estate includes listed buildings requiring maintenance to the appropriate standard.