The Belfast Telegraph has some interesting details on the costs of keeping the political parties in pocket through the aegis of the moth-balled Assembly. If/when Peter Hain closes it down finally, watch those nice shiny advice centres stuggle to keep their doors open.The raw figures:
Travel costs amounted to £617,000 for 2005, paid at a rate of 56.1p for the first 20,000 miles and 25.9p per mile thereafter. By comparison, Westminster MPs get 40p a mile for the first 10,000, then 25p, the same as Welsh Assembly members, while Scottish MLAs are paid a flat 49.3p per mile.
Travel costs amounted to £617,000 for 2005, paid at a rate of 56.1p for the first 20,000 miles and 25.9p per mile thereafter. By comparison, Westminster MPs get 40p a mile for the first 10,000, then 25p, the same as Welsh Assembly members, while Scottish MLAs are paid a flat 49.3p per mile.
And it closes with:
Two weeks from the recall of the Assembly, the parties need reminding that the public expects better value for its money.
Indeed.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
