 Environmentally friendly homes are the only sensible option these days. They will help save you money, save energy and, hopefully, protect the environment for future generations. Many of us these days unwittingly cause damage to the environment, for example, with our love of foreign travel and huge gas guzzling cars.
In the home we have so many gadgets and appliances that our energy bills are often through the roof. There are many changes we can make around the home, both small and large, that will help our homes to become more environmentally friendly and most will save you money too. Solar Energy This is probably one of the biggest changes that you can make to your home's use of energy. It will involve some initial expense, and a little upheaval, but in the long run, should save you a fortune. Of course, as solar power simply utilises the sun's energy for fuel it is kind to the environment. So if this option if not for you what else is available? Home improvement There are other home improvement options, which may help reduce your fuel bills, save you money and help the environment. 1 - Double Glazing. Secondary glazing is a very cost effective way to save heat in your home. Even if you have double glazed window and door units already, if they are old they may not be as cost effective as you imagine. Consider upgrading to the latest energy efficient options. 2 - Cavity Wall Insulation This is not suitable for all homes. However if your home is one of those brick built types that could have cavity wall insulation then go for it. Yes, there will be some cost but, in the long run, it will save you money. 3 - Loft Insulation. Even if your loft or roof space is insulated it is possible that the insulation no longer meets minimum requirements. In the UK government grants are available toward the cost. Update your appliances Traditional white goods such as refrigerators, washing machines and cookers have come a long way in recent years. The newest versions are all manufactured with protecting the environment in mind. They are energy efficient and use minimal amounts of water and energy. You may not be able to afford to replace such appliances immediately but you need to buy environmentally friendly options when you are replacing old goods. The initial extra cost will soon be recovered by the savings made. Make sure that everything is in good working order Leaking washing machines and faucets, or taps, will waste valuable resources and money. Be environmentally wise and repair such items sooner rather than later. Energy saving light bulbs Replace all of your light bulbs with the energy saving kind. This is a quick, cheap and easy way to save money and power. Lower all thermostat settings Make sure that thermostats for hot water, heating, air conditioning, freezers and the like are set at the lowest level as long as good results are still given. Forget stand-by modes Make sure that you switch appliances off at the wall. Leaving such appliances in stand-by mode wastes power and money. You will be surprised how much of each it wastes; most stand-by modes are not necessary and sometimes only leave an unnecessary clock still working. Dimmer switches and lamps Use a dimmer switch or lamplight to create mood lighting and cut down on the use of energy. Stop using cleaning products that will damage the environment Many of us have cupboards full of harsh cleaning products. The ranges available just keep growing. However if you research more natural and traditional cleaning agents, such as lemon, white vinegar and baking soda, you will find that they will clean a wealth of dirty objects without harming the environment. Recycling Separate your waste products in order to recycle as much as possible. In England many local councils already offer different collection bins for paper, bottles and or tin cans. However, you can make your own recycling bins and then dispose of them as appropriate. Compost what waste you can in order to complete your green waste campaign. Make do and mend Think about items that can be traded, re-sold or re-used. For years we have been living in a throwaway society and we really need to change our wasteful habits. Home offices Use your shredded paper waste for added bulk in your composter. Do not print documents and emails unless really necessary. Instead save an electronic copy on an external hard drive. Recycle old printer inks and toners. Water Butts Water butts are cheap and easy to install. Simply connect to your fall pipe. In times of low rainfall use washing-up water and the like to water your garden. Batteries Invest in a battery charger and make sure that you use it. Laundry Whenever possible line dry your laundry. Avoid using a tumble drier unless you really have to. Tumble driers should be used as an emergency not as a matter of course. In the garden or yard Opt for low voltage garden lights, LED or solar powered ones. Plants such as lavender will entice bees and butterflies into your garden. Even if you only have a small patio you can have some plants growing in tubs or pots. The world needs as much planting as possible, especially these days. Small garden plants are also good for the environment. In conclusion Once you start to assess your needs and your lifestyle you will be amazed at the improvements you can make around your home that will save you money and be environmentally friendly. Use your imagination, have fun going green and enjoy the extra cash you will now have!
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 Winter and YOU
When Autumn in the UK is just around the corner the odd grim day offers a glimpse of what is to come. Unfortunately it will rarely be a pretty as a picture scene, as in the one shown. Cold, wet and windy weather will be the order of the day. In the UK our seasons continue to shift but cold and tough weather hits us all some of the time. With limited amounts of daylight, let alone sunlight, it is all too easy to get run down and feel tired and depressed. These days though it does not have to be like that. As usual forward planning is the order of the day. It is up to you. If you look after yourself, throughout the winter months, you can emerge in Spring slim, fit and well rather than overweight, out of condition and feeling drained. A handful of ways to stay fit during Winter Your diet Our diet is as important as ever in Winter. In fact it is probably more important. With less exposure to sunlight we can all end up lacking in some vitamins. Vitamin supplements are OK but it is better by far to take in your vitamins via your diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be a little more expensive in Winter. However if you buy seasonal fruits and veg they should be good value for money. Remember that some frozen vegetables still offer a good source of vitamins, are easy to store, have a good shelf life and can be a cheaper option. Ensure that your winter diet does not just include stodgy, winter warming foods but that it also includes:-
Try to avoid filling up on sugary foods. Salads can still be tasty in Winter but may seem an unsuitable cold alternative. Try a warm salad instead. This way your body will receive the vital minerals and vitamins needed for good health and you will enjoy a tasty warming meal. Coughs, Colds, Chills and the Flu As if the usual winter bugs were not enough we now have the threat of Swine Flu lurking at our doors. Keep yourself as fit as possible in order to minimise the risk of developing flu and colds. Remember that good hygiene also plays a part. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day and dispose of used tissues as soon as you have used them. Sticking them in your pocket or handbag will only compound problems. Eat a good diet and consider taking a daily supplement of Echinacea. Many people swear by this as a coughs and colds preventative. Eat a vitamin C rich diet or, if this is not possible, take a supplement. Reduce or stop smoking as this habit reduces the vitamin C in your body. Do not cough and sneeze all over the place. Make sure that you cover your mouth. These days it is recommended that you sneeze into the crook of your arm rather than your hands. This is because it so easy to spread infections via your hands. Carry hand wipes for emergencies. These can be good also for wiping suspect keyboards and telephone handsets. Remember to use good hygiene practices in your place of work. Winter vomiting bugs I have seen The Winter Vomiting Bug or Noro Virus in all its glory, and trust me it is not a pretty sight. If you are fit and healthy it should not cause you lasting problems but it is not pleasant. Projectile vomiting and severe diarrhoea can leave the patient feeling drained and weak. Just what you do not want for the Holiday Season and beyond. Again good basic hygiene is essential. If you think you have contracted this illnesses stay home. It is best to avoid work and socialising for at least 48 hours. Most people will not feel up to either anyway. However, if you live with someone who has this illness and you start to feel unwell, that is vomit for example, the same applies to you. During winter we are often tucked up together sharing buses, cars, or Christmas shopping. At such times it is all too easy for these bugs to run riot. Keeping warm Keeping warm is much easier these days but not cheap. However for the elderly and vulnerable it may not be so easy. With increasingly expensive fuel bills people are often advised to turn down the thermostat. If you are elderly this is not good advice. Hypothermia is all too easy to develop in the elderly. If you are struggling with the financial cost of keeping warm check out what help is available. There are also government grants in the UK which could help insulate your home. Winter clothes are essential for your well being. If last years winter clothes are looking sad and tired try shopping around for new. If necessary check out the secondhand shops for bargains. If you chose such shops, that are located in nicer areas of town, the nearly new goods will be just that. Almost new. The Internet has some good bargains but make sure that you really need and want what you buy or else it is not a bargain. Taking care As much as you need to take care in Summer, you also need to in Winter, but of course the problems are different. Cold and foggy weather can put your safety at risk in many ways. If you are driving visibility may be poor or the roads could be slippery. If you are out and about on foot the darker mornings and evenings could mean that you are more at risk from thieves and the like. Pedestrians are also prone to slips and trips on icy pavements. The A and E departments of UK hospitals are full of people with fractures in both summer and winter. I guess this because in Summer we often take more risks and in winter there can be more hazards out there. None of this however should prevent you getting out and about. Just make sure that you are conscious of you safety and use your common sense. Sensible clothing and footwear is part of this common sense approach. Increased costs You will no doubt find that money can be a little tight during Winter. What with Christmas shopping, increased fuel bills, limited walking and some healthy foods a little more expensive it can be difficult to make ends meet. This means that it is more important than any other time of the year to budget well. Of course that is unless money is no object to you? I know. I wish! Keep basic household accounts and cuts costs when possible. Make sure that you do not cut back on essentials though as this will be false saving. In the long run you will have to spend more to put things right. SAD, seasonal affective disorder Even if you do not actually suffer from SAD it is all too easy to feel down in Winter. If you are looking after yourself then this may not happen. If it does try to:-
Your skin and hair Your skin and hair can really suffer during winter. Those cold blasts of air can make your skin dry and rough. Use products, whether you are a male or a female to help protect your skin and hair. This way you should not leave Winter, and enter Spring, looking like a cross between a wrinkled prune and Methuselah.  Can't write a poem to save your life? Well you could be surprised. Often when you try to compose a basic rhyme the words flow easier than you may have imagined. You may never be a Lord Byron or Tennyson, being able to conjure vivid ideas and thoughts of love and passion from a few words, but you might still create a poem that touches the heart of your loved one.
Considerations There are poems in which a set number of lines rhyme in a particular way. Then there is non-rhyming verse which can be hard to get right. A rhyming poem of about six or eight lines is fairly easy to construct. However you don't want to end up with a tacky verse that causes offence. Fist things first then what do you want your poem to convey? Is it to be funny, serious, loving, sexy, childish, mature or what? It could be that you want a mixture of all things. How well do you know the recipient? Is it a long time lover, husband or wife, brief acquaintance, girlfriend, boyfriend or someone you love from afar? All of these should be considered so that your poem is appropriate. You do not want to end up looking a fool do you? Everyone creates in a different way. For me I tend to think of my opening line and go from there. The final word of each line can be the crucial one. It will be this that needs to rhyme. Usually it is divided though so that the second and fourth lines rhyme and so on. Here is a corny Valentine's poem I wrote a few years ago for my hubby. Hopefully I have improved a bit since then: These Valentine wishes are especially for you, even though at times you make me feel blue. I guess life is like that, it seems to me, as being permanently happy we can never be. Yet through the days, of sun and rain, my love for you has remained the same. Deep down I know that you have a heart of gold and I will love you until we both grown old. I guess I will love you till the day I die, my friend, my love my Valentine guy. A Valentine poem for Hubby (C) eileen kersey Points to remember
So a first line? I love you ***** with all my heart. A good start? Well it could be but now try to find a word that rhymes with heart. Well a rude one instantly springs to my mind which is not good unless your Valentine wish is going to be a cruel one or a joke. Go through the alphabet to see what words are available and you should come up with part, apart, start, cart, dart and tart, at least. So what about apart? I love you ***** with all my heart I never want us to be apart Not brilliant but passable and good for practising. You will want your rhyme to flow and stick to the point. So what abut the next two lines? I have loved you since the day we met That day we both got very wet Well that may not fit in your scenario but it will create a short rhyme suitable for a Valentine. It would need a little more of course but. I love you ***** with all my heart I never want us to be apart I have loved you since the day we met That day we both got very wet It may have rained a lot since then But your smile brings sunshine again and again Hopefully this has shown you how easy it could be to create a personal Valentine rhyme. Create a card online to go with it. An individual creation is much better to receive than any old store bought rhyme which thousands of others will also receive.  When you read about some flash person buying a £1,000 bottle of wine or paying £7,000 a night to stay in a room at Claridges London it seems an utter disgrace that so many people around the world are starving and living on the equivalent of cents or pennies a day.
The World has always been a tough place for those with few resources and little money. In many ways, in spite of trillions of pounds and dollars worth of aid being spent, the problems continue to increase. Some of it is down to climate change, conlfict and civil unrest but a rapidly increasing world population is not helping. With bad years for crops things have not improved much. In the UK food stuffs such as peas and apples which are usually in abundant supply shot up in price due to shortages in 2012. Too much rain, not enough rain, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, storms and more have all played a part in reducing world food stocks. Scientists have been researching the use of Genetically Modified food for some time but is it safe? GM food is said to be safe but there are obvious concerns about eating such foods. We would all prefer to eat healthy fresh food straight out of the garden, never touched by radiation, insecticide and the like. In reality though that is not so easy unless you have a small holding or farm. Try to buy even organically produced foods and you will pay through the nose for the privilege. Yet some worry about how genuine "organic" claims are as a whole. One possible innovation could see bread produced which will remain mold free for up to 60 days. Yes 60 days. That is a huge lengthening of the "eat by" date of bread. If it was possible to extend the lifespan of a simple loaf of bread in the UK, for example, it would save a huge mountain of waste. Most people in the UK throw at least half a loaf of bread away on a regular basis. With wheat shortages and drought in parts of the USA in mind this is scandalous. Yet it is a fact It also seems to be true that bread does not last as long as it used to. Perhaps this is sometimes due to bread sold in supermarkets being far from fresh; it may have already been frozen for some time but whatever the reason bread does get moldy and stale quicker than it used to. Another point to bear in mind is that in fifties Britain for example bread that was purchased was consumed as it was cheap. Waste was not on. Money was tight and hard bread was toasted rather than thrown away. If all else failed in winter it was fed to the birds outside. Now that people have more choice how many snack on good old fashioned bread and jam? Not many we think. That does not mean people should have less money and a poor diet but rather just using this as a possible explanation as to why bread was not thrown away so much in the past. So back to bread which could last 60 days and may sound attractive or not. Presumably when food stuffs were first canned, and thus enabled to remain edible for years, people were aghast. These days you would think nothing of eating food from a tin as long as it was within its expiry date. Is bread so very different? Well it does remain to be seen. It depends how the bread is treated to extend its shelf life. My gut instinct is no way would I eat that but you never know. Researchers at Texas Tech University in Lubbock have said that their experiments could help stop many food borne illnesses. Tests have been carried out on various foods and not all have been successful but many have. The scientists use a microwave system to "sterilise" the foods. If the US authorities give the company the go ahead the foods will initially be used in war torn regions. That is worrying. It is like using the people involved as guinea pigs. It is easy to see how though a food with a long life could be useful in conflict. What is always a cause for concern is will such foods be on sale in our stores and if so will they be labeled accordingly? We may want to try the latest technology or want to give it a wide birth. In the end that should be our choice. Read more here And here http://www.businessinsider.com/microzap-60-day-fresh-bread-2013-1  "The Yorkshire dialect refers to the Northern English language varieties spoken in England's historic county of Yorkshire. Those varieties are often referred to as Broad Yorkshire or Tyke. The dialect has roots in older languages such as Old English and Old Norse; it should not be confused with modern slang."
This blogger lives in what was once termed the East Riding of Yorkshire, in England. For a time it became North Humberside. In general this title was poorly received and ultimately we returned to being known as Yorkshire. The changes of course cost fortune upon fortune. Letter headed note-paper, street signs and maps were just a few of the items which needed changing a more than once. Still it would seem that we are now securely back as Yorkshire, at least for the time being. Most of the locals in my city will agree that our accents are dreadful. You can always tell a person is from our city, for example when they appear on TV, by the flat tone of their voice. We seem to be taught from a young age to use slang words and seem incapable of pronouncing vowels. The Yorkshire dialect seems to have passed us by but it is still alive and well in the more rural parts of Yorkshire and some smaller towns and cities but only just. Having said that Leeds is a larger city and yet they have a distinct dialect. For example, a Leeds person may say reet grand instead of rather nice. As children we would visit a distant relative who lived near to Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales. She lived in a small village which had a small population. This population though had strange names, such as Moses Thackery, knew each others business and in general spoke in Yorkshire dialect. My female relative originated in my home town and so she did not speak in dialect. However her husband born and bred in the countryside may as well have come from the planet Mars. We could not understand a word he said. Compiling the list below, though, which is a taster of Yorkshire dialect, has made me realise that I do use at least a few words that are strictly speaking Yorkshire Dialect. Researching online I came across one site which is dedicated to maintaining Yorkshire dialect. It has a wealth of poetry and song, and samples can be downloaded to listen to. Even the names of the authors were intriguing. So here are a few words of Yorkshire Dialect with translations;
http://www.yorkshiredialectsociety.org.uk/ http://www.yorkshire-dialect.org/dictionary.htm
On the 8th anniversary of the dreadful events that happened in New York, America, and are often referred to as 9/11, we watched "102 Minutes That Changed America."
It is scheduled to be aired again in the UK and in many ways is essential viewing. There can be few, if any readers, who know little of what I am writing about. However for that tiny minority:- On September 11, 2001, a plane hit one of the Trade Centre Towers in New York. At first it was thought to be an accident but, within a short space of time, a second plane hit the other tower and people's worst fears were confirmed. America and its people were under attack from an unknown source. Since that time there have been many theories about the possible involvement of certain American agencies, foreknowledge of the American Government and conspiracy. I for one do not believe any of these and hope to God that I am right. So, on that fateful day, as the drama unfolded before the eyes of the World, the twin towers fell to the ground and people were deeply moved, shocked and saddened. It is now 2017 The following was written September 10, 2009. "Today is September 10, 2009 and, this year in the UK, there have been many programmes aired regarding the twin towers and 9/11. All have been interesting but of course upsetting. One of the documentaries that I have watched this week was "102 Minutes That Changed America". This film is available through sources such as Amazon. For those interested I would recommend watching this film but expect a bumpy ride. 102 Minutes is made up of actual footage that New York's citizens, workforce and visitors collected on that day. 102 minutes is such a brief time when you consider the implications of what took place during this period of time. It was 102 minutes from when the first plane hit the first Trade Centre Tower until the collapse of the second tower and the carnage that was left behind. 9/11 It was a beautiful late Summer, early Autumn day and America looked glorious. The bright blue sky was the type that I find so heartwarming. I doubt that those who witnessed this event close at hand could ever look at such a sky in the same way again. With footage from around 100 different onlookers, this film shows many aspects of this atrocity which I had not seen before. From close by, a couple of blocks away, five blocks away or even way across New York City on Staton Island this event was witnessed. In the UK it was early afternoon before the news broke of the first plane hitting one of the Twin Towers. Just as when President Kennedy was assassinated, when I was a child, I remember so well what we were doing on 9/11. Hubby had been ill and a Doctor's appointment was booked for later in the afternoon. I was going with him as he had been very unwell. By the time the appointment arrived the towers had fallen, the world had changed and the day felt totally unreal. The receptionists were listening to the news on radios at the surgery and everywhere felt eerie. Unlike such disasters in the past the news coverage was intense and all too explicit. The difference with 102 Minutes That Changed America is that it is real and, in a raw sense, created by the man on the street. There is some news footage but on the whole it is Joe Public who is the camerman,ad woman. The devastating effect 9/11 had on people who lived close by is there to see as plain as day. The film has the same effect of Cloverfield in that people at times are running for their lives whilst still filming. Only this time it is for real. This makes for a very unstable image at times but we must never forget that this is not a drama but real life. I cannot say that I enjoyed 102 minutes as that is the wrong word to use. I was glad that I watched it although much of the two hours when this film was aired was upsetting. By the time each commercial break came around I felt drained and I was only watching a film. Thank god I was not there. As a record of a dreadful piece of history 102 minutes is very accurate. I will not re hash the events of that day, as we all are only too well aware of what happened and what has happened since. I did wonder though how those who were so close by coped after the event. People such as:-
And so many more. It goes without saying that those directly involved and their families must struggle on a daily basis. So this film is recommended viewing but not for everyone. At the start the film makers state that there is plenty of distressing footage and personal caution should be exercised. Despite the emotional roller coaster this film evoked in me I am glad that I decided to watch 102 minutes. It is gripping stuff and a painful reminder why terrorists must never be allowed to succeed.
RUPERTS were unknown to me until I saw something on the TV about their use in the Second World War. Fascinated I thought I would delve a little deeper.
Ruperts were an English "weapon" of this war. They were not a weapon as such but rather represented "pretend" numbers of armed personnel dropping from the sky. Used to aid the British war effort they worked well. However they were not a British invention. In 1940 the German used Paradummies to try and out fox their opponents. During the Battle of the Netherlands and Belgium they used Paradummies which were almost like puppets. They were filled with straw and often dozens would be thrown out of the German planes. This was done at a time when it would instill fear in those on the ground. The Germans used these dummies later on in the war. It has been reported that they appeared so realistic that troops below would abandon their posts pretty sharpish. The British form of these dummies may have the very British name of Rupert given to them but they were actually made in the USA. Great Britain used Ruperts in 1940 during some offensive actions. In 1942 they were employed again,. This time to cause a distraction during the British invasion of Madagascar, Africa. On D-Day, in Normandey, France, Ruperts dropped at night helped those on the ground win through. This Normandy drop was called Operation Titanic. At this time June 6, 1944 a force of 40 planes, Hudsons, Halifaxes and Stirlings, dropped a total of 500 dummies in four separate locations. 500 helped swell the number of actual troops invading. During an invasion by the parachute regiment Ruperts made the force appear much larger. Ruperts may not have been able to fight or do anything in reality but they could scare the enemy. In order to make the Ruperts more realistic rifle fire simulators and two teams of Special Air Service soldiers, six men in total, were also dropped. These teams carried recordings of loud battle noises which added to the realism of the dummies. The Ruperts were only small, around 2 foot 9 inches in length. When they hit the ground they exploded and burst into flames, supposedly leaving the enemy baffled and worried. This is why only a few Ruperts remain today. Examples can be found in some UK museums. In 2009 one that failed to detonate in WWII was sold at an auction in Germany. Later in the 20th Century paradummies were used by other countries, such as the US in the Vietnam War. However. only in the UK could a paradummy be called a RUPERT. https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/blog/2013/10/04/old-wwii-d-day-paradummy-found-residing-in-garden-shed  Most of us think of our homes as our sanctuaries; however surprisingly more accidents occur in the home than anywhere else.
When you actually think about it your home can be a dangerous death trap or somewhere which will keep you safe and sound but which it is could be down to you. With that in mind you need to assess your home environment carefully. Bacteria and germs Some germs and bacteria are a necessary part of life but in order to keep you and your family healthy you will need to minimise them in your home. Regularly using anti-bacterial sprays can help keep germs at bay. It is no good things looking pristine if they are not really clean. Pets With two dogs, that I adore, resident in our home we try to be careful about hygiene. We have to accept that animals can cause germs and infections at times. Hygiene around pets is very important. Dust mites Dust mites that may live in the carpet, bed, pillows and bedding can cause or aggravate allergies and breathing problems. Investing in the latest vacuum cleaners, and allergy free materials for bedding and the like, can improve health. Fumes Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous emission which can be emitted from gas appliances. It is called the silent killer, as it is hard to detect. Appliances need to be regularly serviced and maintained to prevent such problems. Also investing in a Carbon Monoxide detector is sensible and these days much cheaper than before. Similarly using certain paints and cleaning products around the home may expose you to harmful fumes. Be sensible and buy products that are user friendly. Health and Safety Imagine your home is your workplace and do a health and safety assessment. You may be surprised at what you find that is unsafe. It could be broken ladders, insecure handrails, poor water supply or unsafe electrics, old and faulty equipment, lack of fire alarms, poor sanitation, good looking furniture that hurts your back, old and worn out mattresses or one of many things. In our homes we all use unsafe practices at times, for example using potentially lethal equipment such as lawn mowers whilst wearing sandals and a flowing dress. At home, as at work, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job and the right clothing. Air quality In order to be healthy we all need a good healthy supply of oxygen. We also need to keep our bodies at a good temperature. It is important to have sufficient heat in your home, but not too much, and to have fresh air, not stale air. Cigarette smoke Obviously a home filled with cigarette smoke will not be healthy. If possible make your home no smoking. If you cannot quit smoking take it outside and make visitors do the same. Your groceries and drinks Shop for healthy foods and only buy alcohol on an occasional basis. A healthy home may have occasional treats in its store cupboard but will usually have more fruit and vegetables than anything else. Conclusion Safety and health are really one and the same or at least they can be. Be safe and protect your health at home as you would in your workplace.  In 2014 it was announced House of Commons authorities have destroyed all evidence of MPs' expenses claims prior to 2010, meaning end of official investigations into scandal It can be a pain getting holidays and annual leave booked at work but what if you are an MP? In the UK, as things stand, we need good, decent and honest politicians but we are sometimes left wanting. The people who stand to represent us however are only human beings when all is said and done. They have their own skills and life pressures. They will never be able to please all of their constituents all of the time. Doing the best they can however should be a given. The salary of a politician is something many people can only dream about. But there are pros and cons and the system is used and abused by some. Members of Parliament at times work long hours and are often working in their constituencies when parliament is in recess. But that is not true of all. Recess, House rises, House returns The set dates of recess mean any emergency that warrants a parliamentary recall will cost taxpayers dearly. When the house is sitting MPs enjoy perks such as a subsided bar and restaurant. Who oays for this? Why taxpayers of course. A politicians working life is not always easy but Operks include a decent salary although at least one MP has complained it is not a living wage for him. In 2014 "An income of almost £120,000 a year is not enough to live on in London according to Government minister Mark Simmonds, Tory, who says he is quitting politics because this does not “stretch” far enough. As a Foreign Office minister and MP, Mr Simmonds receives a salary of £89,435 and is also entitled to an annual housing allowance of £27,875 for him and his family." A Toy minister? A member of a government slashing budgets and inflicting financial pain. Pay and expenses for MPs. Some MPs such as Jess Philips employ a relative to run the show. Mrs Philips husband took on the role of her office manager a month after she was elected in 2015.
Is that two on board the gravy train or a necessary expense funded by taxpayers? But check out this report in the Birmingham Mail "New MP Jess Phillips employs her husband as assistant in taxpayer-funded job." That report highlights mainly Labour MPs as it is concentrating on one area of the country but it is a cross-party problem. The electorate in the UK is being turned of politics for many reasons. One is certainly the them and us culture reinforced by politicians who set the bar low for the population but raise it for themselves. Is it a hard life being a politician? Possibly. Is it a hard life being a refuse collector, road sweeper, nurse, carer, supermarket shelf filler, office worker and more earning the minimum wage and coping with in work benefit cuts handed down by politicians? You tell me! Valuable resource https://www.theyworkforyou.com/ More: http://parliamentarystandards.org.uk/payandpensions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/latest/remembering-maria-miller-expense-scandal http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/latest/allegations-of-sleaze-and-corruption-still-dog-westminster |
