BRITONS FURIOUS OVER POLITICIAN´S EXPENSES
Text taken and adapted from:
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/
THE ARTICLE:
British people are expressing their outrage over how much they have to pay for their politicians. Their anger increased this week after it came to light that a politician´s husband claimed expenses for two adult movies. The husband of Britain´s Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said he made a mistake. He apologized for his error on national television. A day later, more details came out about Ms Smith´s expenses to make the British people even angrier. Media reports state she claimed over $150,000 in expenses for her second home. This includes several washing machines, antique furniture, two televisions and even a kitchen sink for her home. This all comes from taxpayers' money. Many Britons are suffering financially because of the global financial crisis.
Britain´s Prime Minister Gordon Brown acted quickly to try and control any political damage. He asked for a committee to be set up to look into politicians' expenses. A top-ranking politician in Britain earns just over $90,000 a year. However, it is possible for them to claim an extra $200,000 a year in expenses. This can include paying a husband or wife around $65,000 to be a personal assistant. The chairman of the committee Sir Christopher Kelly said his changes would take effect from April 2010. He told reporters: "It is now obvious that this piece of work needs to start as soon as possible." He added: " The issues involved are complex... This is not something which can be done with a quick fix." It is unclear whether his changes will make Britons happier with their politicians.
"Britons furious over politician´s expenses" - 1st April, 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment