Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Did you read the link?

It was dated 2002.

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Yes l did read the link but missed the date so l think l need a new pair of glasses.:dozey::D

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Not in the last year or so? According to Hugh's link she gave up public speaking almost 10 years ago. ;)

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

So what would the £535,000 be for then in the last 5 years.:)

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Her health care:erm:

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Thats a astronimical amount for her healthcare would you not say.

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

I would not give her or Scargill anything at all . Apart from a match and some wood:)

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Excuse me lets not just concentrate on Mrs T as Blair hasn't exactly shy about using it.

I wonder if Brown has any intention of applying?

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

As far as l am concerned they are all as bad as each other but because of the title of the thread we have tended to focus on Maggie more.:)

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Public Duties Allowance - Hansard

It is not for public appearances.

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Quote:

Since 1991, former Prime Ministers have been entitled to a Public Duty Costs Allowance (PDCA) to assist with additional office costs which they are liable to incur because of their special position in public life (not payable if the individual also occupies the position of Leader of the Opposition). The allowance was £52,760 (from 1 April 2001), equal in amount to the Members’ Office Cost Allowance. It was increased to £70,000 on 19 July 2001, following the introduction of new staffing allowances for Members of Parliament. From April 2002 the allowance was increased to £72,310, remaining in line with the new staffing allowance figure

Quote:

for Members of Parliament. The current allowance is £90,854.

link

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

One does wonder what public duties she performs (to the tune of £100k per annum) 20 years after leaving office.

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Mr Cameron :erm:

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

Now now, I'm sure she provides tremendous value for money...

Re: Margaret Thatcher claims £535,000 for ex-PM duties
 

In fairness, I would think that some expense is justifiable for a period of time after leaving office. Perhaps a part-time PA to deal with correspondence, perhaps some modest office costs. But £100k per annum? For life? I find that hard to justify.