Maybe we want monkeys

Posted by robbiebow on 2 June, 2009 under politics | Be the First to Comment

So MPs think their job is worth more than the salary on offer? In which case, raise the salary, get a different job, or put up with it. Do not create a tax-free supplement office wherein the staff deliberately set out to steal money from the public.

I happen to think MPs should be paid a good salary – 5 times the national average – and have no expenses whatsoever. That would mean covering second homes, constituency offices, travel and so fourth out of the c. £120k salary. But if enough people in Britain are willing to change their vote to prevent that happening then the shareholders have spoken.

Had I instructed our payroll officer to steal from my employer in order to pay me tax-free made-up expenses I’d expect both of us to be charged for our crimes. I want to know who told the Fees Office that stealing from the public was their main purpose, and I want fraud charges brought against them and the Fees Office staff that colluded in this.

It isn’t about the money, really. It’s about double standards and thievery. Maybe we collectively want monkeys running the country. Maybe politicians could argue successfully for having a slightly more clever primate in charge. However, if you want a pay rise then ask the boss, don’t just take it from the petty cash.