Okay, MPs have their faults - but we still get value for money
Not a day goes by at the moment without yet another politician being exposed for having their snout wedged in the trough. But is such behaviour really so out of order?
I have worked with and interviewed many politicians. It is clear to me they are never truly off duty; weekends, late at night and even on holiday, they are still pretty much 'on call'.
I know some of the recent headlines make for provocative reading, but just bear in mind the current expenses system allows even the most tenuous claims, all within the rules.
From home secretary Jacqui Smith being able to designate her sister's house in south London, where she stays, as her 'main' home, allowing her to claim back the costs of running her family house in Redditch, to our chancellor being able to claim thousands of pounds in expenses on his family home while renting out his privately-owned London flat while living in a grace-and-favour apartment, it can all be done legitimately under the current system.
But look at the hours an MP works; the time, commitment and travel involved. In the private sector they would be getting paid at least double their basic salary.
The current base wage for an MP, before expenses, is just over 63,000 a year. Compare that to the wage of a chief executive of a local authority, which can exceed double that figure, and we are getting a bargain.
Plus, many headteachers and GPs have their salaries pegged around the 100,000 a year mark.
I never thought I would be defending UK politicians, but I do think we get a comparatively good deal.
Yes, absolutely, the system needs overhauling and the simplest way seems to be a basic salary increase of 40,000 a year and the abolition of the existing expenses system. Until then, be grateful we have a group of people prepared to represent us and play a part in the democratic system at a knockdown rate. I know I am.
Give the kids a treat during school holiday
A couple of highlights during my daughter's Easter holidays: a rather fine afternoon spent searching for the Easter Bunny on the Chichester Ship Canal was delightful – check the website www.chichestercanal.org.uk for details of similar events.
As the lambing season begins, a trip to Gaston Farm in Slindon is a must. Visit www.gastonfarm.com for more information and a glorious experience in the beautiful West Sussex countryside.
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Weather for Chichester
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: West
