All aboard the expenses gravy train.

Danthus

Danthus

Danthus

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/pol...s-use-credit-cards-for-lavish-lifestyles.html

The senior officials regularly flew first class and stayed in exotic destinations such as Shanghai, Tuscany and San Francisco. They spent thousands of pounds on tickets to stadium concerts and prestigious sporting events, and even used public money to buy suits, iPads and vintage wine.

One town hall chief executive charged the taxpayer more than £100 to buy presents for his chauffeur on an all-expenses paid trip to the Champagne region of France, while another bought silk ties from “London’s oldest tailor and robe maker”.

An investigation by The Daily Telegraph has uncovered details of apparently questionable spending by chief executives at councils across the country which are slashing hundreds of thousands of jobs and making harsh cuts to libraries, children’s services and bin collections.

Records of spending at 340 local authorities obtained by this newspaper show some bosses are running up tens of thousands of pounds in expenses and credit card bills on top of their six-figure salaries, despite being ordered to slash their pay and perks by Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary.

The disclosures are likely to lead to comparisons with MPs expenses and will inflame local anger over the largesse of local authorities.
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You can view the database below.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/pol...l-credit-card-spending-database-released.html

You have expenses being used to cover luxury hotels, Michelin starred restaurants and jewellery.
 
The civil service is in a similar state, and it governs itself, what exactly do you think was happening?
Is this really news to you?
Its being going on as long as public office existed.
 
Why should a senior executive stay in a Travelodge instead of somewhere nice? It's part of the package. Why not become one yourself and take advantage of it yourself?

Some of the stuff on there is unacceptable but decent travel and accommodation at a senior level is fine.
 
just read through some of the Pembrokeshire one ( as its the county next door ) and when you look at some of the figures you wonder what on earths going on, but in fairness if you read the reply from the council on the questions it all seems very reasonable and legit.

For example the article makes a big deal about Theatre Ticket purchases but if you read the councils reply it was a school trip purchase which was then paid for by parents.

Article as most is very sensationalised.
 
[TW]Fox;20327376 said:
Why should a senior executive stay in a Travelodge instead of somewhere nice? It's part of the package. Why not become one yourself and take advantage of it yourself?

Some of the stuff on there is unacceptable but decent travel and accommodation at a senior level is fine.
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Totally agree, but lots of the population will no doubt jump on the OMG they shouldn't have those perks because i don't bandwagon.
 
Why can't we just:

a) Work out what said person should be claiming in expenses over the 12 month period.
b) Add that amount to their wages.
c) Stop expenses.
d) If they want to spend money on a lavish hotel, it's their own money and the taxpayer doesn't lose out.
 
Tute said:
Why can't we just:

a) Work out what said person should be claiming in expenses over the 12 month period.
b) Add that amount to their wages.
c) Stop expenses.
d) If they want to spend money on a lavish hotel, it's their own money and the taxpayer doesn't lose out.
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The problem with a through c of that is that expenses
A: Vary - one year you may get sent on a lot of trips etc, the next none.
B: Are not taxed as income if they are proper expenses in line with HMRC guidelines, unlike a wage increase.

There is nothing wrong with expenses that let someone do their job, and cover the costs associated with it above and beyond the normal costs of getting to work, as no one should be put out of pocket because their job requires them to do something that costs money and isn't part of their day to day duties as contracted for.

However some people do take it as a supplementary income which is wrong.

I don't have any problem with someone sent away for work staying in a reasonable hotel*, nor even for something like car + driver (often referred to as "chauffeured" in the press for effect**) which lets someone get around an unfamiliar area safely, and even get on with work whilst on the move without having to worry about taxis etc (and can work out cheaper than getting a bunch of taxies).


*Which can cost a fair chunk for some trips due to location/timing.

**And to try and make it sound more like a limo than the more common normal sort of car.
 
OldCoals said:
Shouldn't we be asking the question, does staying in a "better" hotel result in a better deal for the taxpayer?
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No. They're in senior positions that generally require significant travel. If they knew that they would be staying in a Travelodge they wouldn't take the role.

The jobs have to be competitive, the packages have to be attractive.

If I was working at such a senior level, I would not accept a travelling for a nights accommodation.
 
Basher said:
No. They're in senior positions that generally require significant travel. If they knew that they would be staying in a Travelodge they wouldn't take the role.

The jobs have to be competitive, the packages have to be attractive.

If I was working at such a senior level, I would not accept a travelling for a nights accommodation.
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Exactly. The idea that traveling first-class to San Franciso is somehow "exotic" is completely retarded, let alone if you are the effectively the chief of a business.
 
Basher said:
No. They're in senior positions that generally require significant travel. If they knew that they would be staying in a Travelodge they wouldn't take the role.

The jobs have to be competitive, the packages have to be attractive.

If I was working at such a senior level, I would not accept a travelling for a nights accommodation.
Click to expand...

So you don't think the primary focus should be the outcome for the taxpayer?
 
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