Not on the back of the poorest - by Richard... Saturday, May 28, 2011

Not on the back of the poorest - by Richard... Saturday, May 28, 2011

Defending the increase in the foreign aid budget, Cameron insisted he was "proud" that the UK would not "balance its books on the back of the poorest". Meanwhile, the Treasury has confirmedthat the over-60s will lose additional payments, which were introduced in 2008 and designed to help them heat their homes while domestic fuel bills are rising.

The payments have been renewed in every Budget since, in the face of high oil prices. The elderly have been able to claim £250 towards winter fuel bills, while those aged 80 or over could claim £400. This year the payments will be reduced to £200 and £300 per household.

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Klepturition 5 - by Richard... Friday, May 27, 2011

OK, so building maintenance costs money, but not only does this sound excessive, No 10 is extraordinarily reticent about telling us what the money was spent on. This is the "new" Cameronian politics ... pay up and shut up.

Speaking of which, on Lord Hanningfield being found guilty of expenses fraud, we now learn that he had said he felt entitled to claim the allowance as he needed to go home to look after his dog, who he described as his closest friend. As he left the court he said: "I'm devastated but I have no regrets. I did nothing wrong".

This is another one who doesn't get it
.