It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

Former prime minister Lady Thatcher has claimed more than half a million pounds of taxpayers' cash in the last five years, the Government has revealed.

The 86-year-old Baroness, who is rarely seen in public and suffers ongoing health problems, benefited from the public duties cost allowance available to ex-PMs.


Since 2006, she has claimed a total of £535,000 in state handouts.

The system was set up by John Major in 1991 to reward former incumbents of No 10 for work including answering letters and attending public events.
It has cost taxpayers more than £1.7 million in the past five years supporting Baroness Thatcher, her successor Sir John and, since 2007, former Labour premier Tony Blair.

Mr Blair, PM for a decade from 1997, has claimed just under £273,000 since leaving office in June 2007, including £169,076 in 2008-9 - more than his annual salary when he was in Downing Street.

Sir John, who ran the country from 1990 to 1997, has netted a total of £490,000 over the last five years.

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude, who revealed the figures following a written Parliamentary question from Tory MP Philip Hollobone, said: "The public duties cost allowance is kept under review."

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

I cant make any comment on your politicians Rena, but our own retired 'Happy Chappie' Bertie Ahern is still claiming handouts all over the place, plus his fat fees for speaking at business functions, and they critisize folks on social welfare through no fault of their own. Its the same old story, one law for them and another for the rest of us.

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

not surprised...

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

It is the same as the other thread on expenses and wages, they are all at it.
The largest trade union we have - Unite - has not all that long ago given a golden ta,ta to its former leader.
They paid him over £500,000 which included a £361,000 severance payment.

The unions own annual return for 2010 clearly showed Derek Simpson received £510,659, comprising of £361,347 in severance pay. He also received £97,677 in gross salary, and more than £51,000 in housing benefit and car allowances.

And this union are supposed to have a huge deficit.

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

And don't even mention Europe.....

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

I think they have taken Lottery saying... In it to win it.Cos they do.

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

And they wonder why the 'have nots' riot and steal when they see and hear how the hoi poloi live.

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

Or maybe they just want the same things without having to work for them.
Just a thought.

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

What do you think of your new man Jem, Michael D Higgins, should he be alright?

Re: It goes on and on - they never get off the gravy train

True...but the example of greed they give to the ordinary man in the street just stinks....even those technically innocent of breaking the law with their expenses claims were taking advantage of every little loophole to boost their bank accounts.

Every repeat of 'Yes Minister' is nearer the truth than just a satirical comedy.