The latest figures for House of Lords Expenses show it is costing considerably more than the discredited regime it replaced. Two Peers were caught fraudulently fiddling their expenses which led to an overhaul of the system. But its replavement is costing the taxpayer considerably more:
// Figures released by Parliament show that peers received more than £6 million in allowances during the first three months of the new regime, compared to around £4.25 million the year before, when the old system was still operating.
In fact, the figures show, the regime is 41 per cent more expensive than the old system, which reimbursed peers for overnight stays.
Both allowances are tax-free and, as before, peers continue to receive travel expenses and other perks such as free car parking, postage and the use of computer equipment.
In total, 25 peers claimed more than £16,000 in the three month period, covering October to December 2010, the equivalent £64,000 a year, with nine claiming more than £17,000, and three more than £18,000. //
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Ever thought that you'd been had?