MP's Expenses!
I thought the title would attract your attention!Compared to the average man in the street MP's are on a generous salary which in some cases is more than double after they claim all their expenses on top. It's hardly surprising that a large percentage of the population are no longer interested in voting and are completely turned off by politics!As we have read a number are claiming for second homes, one even claiming for a caravan, despite the fact that these homes are just a few miles away from their place of work.No wonder most people are fed up because of the stories in the press about how MP's go about ensuring that they claim for everything - even a 89p bathroom plug, not to mention pornography, employing relatives as 'assistants' even though in some cases it is quite obvious that some of the relatives are doing nothing of the sort, as previous reports in the press have uncovered.Surely it is time this gravy train was brought to an abrupt halt? How can MP's justify having their noses in the trough at every opportunity. Don't they get enough perks in their job such as dinner invitations, tickets for theatre, sporting events, then there is the 'John Lewis' list where they can furnish their homes on expenses! Not forgetting travel expenses and so called 'fact finding trips' to exotic locations on the taxpayer? The list goes on.Then after all this they can retire to their country retreat knowing that they will be able to live a life of luxury due to their very generous pension. Of course they would stil be able to make additional money at speaking engagements and not forgetting their business interests.Yet they are always keen to give themselves an increase in salary at every opportunity whilst expecting the rest of the population to struggle in some cases with mortgages and day to day living expenses on a much reduced salary when compared to Members of Parliament. With so many people losing their jobs the situation has become more acute.Perhaps instead of allowing MP's to claim for second homes the Govermnent should have a block of flats close to Westminster at their disposal? Surely this would save a lot of expenses because there would be no need to claim for a second home in the capital?What steps should be taken do you think to reduce the amount of expenses these MP's would be entitled to claim? If found to be breaking the letter of the law by claiming certain expenses surely the person concerned should be required to pay back any money claimed? It makes one wonder why these people decide that they wish to become elected in the first place - do they really care about improving the quality of life for the population or are they just feathering their own nests?I am sure you all have your own views on this situation so I thought it would make an interestg discussion now that I have started the thread.
Jean F Fernandez ● 6388d14 Comments