Regular readers of "My Rants" will think I have gone mad when I state, that for once I agree with the Con Men of Westminster.
Having been found out over their expenses fiddle, they are now advocating a salary increase up to £100,000 per year.
Now the surprise....For once I agree.
However, I would lay down the following conditions.
1) Being an MP must be their one and only job.
2) No highly paid consultancies.
3) They are subject to the same tax laws as every other citizen of the UK. No expenses for second homes,no expenses for travel to and from their place of work (The H of C),they fund their own office and they cannot employ a relative.
I am sure this will lead to a higher standard of MP (but of course would not be difficult) and the demise of the second home when they realise that the cost is comming out of their own pockets. I have never understood why the state funds the purchase of the second home which becomes the property of the MP when he/she leaves Parliament ? If my company did that for me, and I live 35 miles from my place of work,it would be considered a benefit in kind for tax purposes.
2008-05-28 @ 15:28