TaxPayers' Alliance Bulletin - 24th July 2009
Courage and crack-downs at the Synedd
The TPA proposals that have been adopted are that all expenses must be documented, justified and published online, and that AMs' pay should not rise. Also, no more mortgage interest payments are to be made, and the Assembly should provide basic accomodation, so that taxpayers' money does not continue to be thrown down the drain every year with no realisation of capital appreciation in the properties. From now on, if AMs want to purchase luxury household items, they must do so out of their own pockets and the food allowance will be scrapped. As those of you familiar with our work will know, these are all core principles that we have been recommending at evey opportunity as ways to clean up the system and move forward to an era of increased transparency and accountability. At the same time though, the conclusions keep in mind that AMs must be financially able to perform their duties - that it's in everyone's interest to have elected representatives from every background and walk of life. Unfortunately, there will be a time lag on some of these reforms, which is frustrating. Presumably if something is worth doing, it is worth doing now, and many of these allowances could be scrapped tomorrow. You can read the full report here.
On the whole, this report is groundbreaking in its reach and radical scope. Sir Roger and his colleagues are to be congratulated on it, and the Assembly for instigating the process almost a year ago. Wales has led the way here, and will reap the benefits once all these measures are implemented and taxpayers finally have the transparency they so deserve. We can only hope that Sir Christopher Kelly shows similar courage when it comes to overhauling the even more tangled and rotten expenses system in Westminster.
On the whole, this report is groundbreaking in its reach and radical scope. Sir Roger and his colleagues are to be congratulated on it, and the Assembly for instigating the process almost a year ago. Wales has led the way here, and will reap the benefits once all these measures are implemented and taxpayers finally have the transparency they so deserve. We can only hope that Sir Christopher Kelly shows similar courage when it comes to overhauling the even more tangled and rotten expenses system in Westminster.
Taken for a Ride: How we're paying millions for mandarins' taxisThe business of Government, just like any other, often takes people out of the office. Whether for a meeting or an event, civil servants and ministers frequently have to travel, and sometimes a taxi or chauffeured car is the most appropriate way.
But in 2008, 19 (of the 20) Government departments spent in excess of £8 million on taxis and hired private cars between them. Despite the availability of fairly reliable public transport – and decent pavements – public servants often opted for the more expensive taxi ride even when making a short journey. More worryingly, thousands of pounds were spent just paying for taxis to wait. You can read the full report here.
Apply for the Lincolnshire County Council Independent Remuneration Panel
Lincolnshire County Council is looking for new members of its Independent Remuneration Panel (IRPs). These panels are very important. They judge and recommend what pay, perks and expenses councillors get, so it’s a prime opportunity for you to have a say on the quality of service your councillors are providing. For details about how to apply, see our blog here.
EU A to Z
On the first day at work for the newly elected MEPs in Brussels, the TPA’s Dr Lee Rotherham wrote a handy A to Z of Brussels as a guide to the newby MEPs of some of the pitfalls and peculiarities of the EU’s institutions. From acupuncture to quarantine, this list covers the weird and wonderful ways of the EU. The list was posted on ConservativeHome's CentreRight blog, you can read the post here.
Despite there being a recession on, the department of Business, Innovation and Skills has just announced millions of pounds for a raft of new schemes. To find out what a waste of money some of them are, look at this scheme for giving football lessons to the homeless! Complain about this waste of money to Pat McFadden MP, the minister, here.
One man, 547 new supporters
Well done to our West Midlands stalwart, Russell Booth, who recently signed up 547 new supporters! It’s supporters like Russell who keep the grassroots engines turning over, taking our message to the towns and streets of the UK. This is why we’re winning the arguments, because our supporters are out there convincing the people that we need lower taxes in the UK.
Best of the Blogs
Campaign: Paying for Aunty
Better Government: BVT are becoming more and more like the BBC
Better Government: Scrap Air Passenger Duty
Better Government: Equality, Charity and the Red Ermine
European Union: Tick Tock
Burning Our Money: M25 Debacle
Non-job of the week: Bedforshire Police, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, £48,891 - £53,379
Posts
