LABOUR PARTY ADVISERS HIKE EXPENSES AS SCOTLAND FACES MORE BUDGET CUTS.

LABOUR PARTY ADVISERS HIKE EXPENSES AS SCOTLAND FACES MORE BUDGET CUTS.



TIME TO SCRAP THE SCOTLAND OFFICE.

SNP MP Angus MacNeil has condemned the Scotland Office for allowing its
Labour Advisers to enjoy lavish expenses as they pursue a billion of cuts
to Scotland’s public services.

Figures released under Freedom of Information show that the expenses bill
for Special Advisers in the Scotland Office has more than doubled since
2005.

The Scotland Office Advisers have;
• Increased expenses claims by 116% between 2005/06 and 2007/08 from £6000
a year to over £13,000.
• Increased taxi claims from £250 in 2005/06 to £2,296.95 in 2007/08

SNP Shadow Scotland Office spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, said:
“The disturbing cost of keeping Labour spin-doctors in cabs and
cappuccinos will smart with ordinary Scots who are tightening their belts
as recession bites.

“These raise more questions about what the post of Scottish Secretary is
for, and the failure of the Scotland Office to provide value for money.

“Every penny spent on the partisan politics of the Scotland Office is a
penny less being spent on public services in Scotland.

“With the overall bill increasing to £2.3 million the Scotland Office
provides a lavish London lifestyle at the Scottish taxpayers expense.

"A far better arrangement would be for the three devolved administrations
to deal directly with the UK Government through the Number 10 Cabinet
Office - that is the sensible kind of arrangement we should be moving
towards.

“For Scotland’s budget for essential public services to be slashed while
Labour spin-doctors live high on the hog is unacceptable.

“Never mind taxis for McTernan, it should be on your bike Jim Murphy.”