| Taxi Driver Online http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/ |
|
| MSP attacked for claiming back GBP 1,200 in taxi fares http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4528 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | JD [ Fri Oct 06, 2006 7:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | MSP attacked for claiming back GBP 1,200 in taxi fares |
The Scotsman October 6, 2006, Friday HEADLINE: MSP attacked for claiming back GBP 1,200 in taxi fares BYLINE: Louise Gray Scottish Political Correspondent TAXPAYERS forked out almost GBP 1,200 in four months for one MSP to be driven around in taxis, it was revealed yesterday. Roseanna [edited by admin]'s taxi bill made up more than one-third of the total amount spent on cabs by Holyrood's 129 MSPs from September until December last year. The SNP MSP for Perth, who doesn't have a driving licence, said that she used taxis only to transport her to bus and train stations. The Scottish Parliament yesterday revealed MSPs spent more than GBP 372,000 in the last four months of 2005-6 on travel, accommodation, office stationery and other expenses. More than GBP 3,000 was spent on taxi travel - including GBP 1,177.10 by Ms [edited by admin]. One bill was GBP 202.30 for 14 journeys from Crieff to Auchterarder. However, Ms [edited by admin] said this claim dated back to a number of journeys during last year's G8 summit at Gleneagles. More than half of her claims were for taxis taking her to and from a train station near her Crieff home on her way to the Scottish Parliament. Another slip was GBP 3 for the ten-minute walk from Waverley Station to the parliament. On one occasion she claimed GBP 50 for a return taxi to the gala opening of the Perth Royal Concert Hall. During 2005, GBP 5,757.88 was spent on taxis by the MSP. Other MSPs who live in remote areas spent far less on taxis. Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, spent GBP 248.47, while Jamie McGrigor, Tory MSP for the Highlands and Islands, spent GBP 110.70. Ms [edited by admin] insisted she uses public transport wherever possible. However, trains are often delayed or not available so she is forced to used taxis. "I live in a part of Scotland where the public-transport network does not work on a daily basis," she said. "Much of the time I do not have a choice." Ms [edited by admin] spent GBP 24.05 on buses and GBP 352.10 on trains. "Historically I have not driven," she went on. "I would remind you that we are in a set of circumstances in this country where we are being encouraged to not use a car. Are you saying I should be using a private car over taxis and public transport? "What message does that send out to Scotland? I am lucky I can use a taxi but the problem is that the rural transport is such that I have to use a taxi." MSPs did not put in any expenses for petrol costs during the four-month period. However, GBP 115.80 was spent on bridge tolls and GBP 243.95 on car hire. MSPs spent more than GBP 1,700 on car parking. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, the Tory MSP for the Lothians, spent GBP 275 on a parking ticket for 12 weeks. Other MSPs had smaller amounts to claim. Alec Neil, the SNP backbencher, claimed 60p for a parking ticket. Niall Stuart, spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said the business community would not expect MSPs to charge the taxpayer for their commuting expenses. He said: "I don't know of many other jobs where you get paid for the journey from your home to your place of work - certainly for meetings and appointments but not usually for the commute from work to home." He added: "I would have thought small-business people would see that rule as being slightly over-generous." But Tory Bill Aitken said Ms [edited by admin]'s expenses were understandable. "I frequently travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh by bus which I find very convenient," he said. "It gives me thinking time and is cheaper than the train. It is a question of personal preference." Patrick Harvie, the Green MSP for Glasgow, who spent GBP 32.15 on taxis, was also understanding but said public transport should be used when possible. He said: "I do not think taxis are evil but I do not think they are the first choice, either. Where possible it is always better to get public transport." Colin Fox, the SSP Lothians MSP, who spent GBP 432 in the last quarter on an annual bus pass, said Ms [edited by admin] would get a better idea of her constituents' views by using buses more. "I definitely recommend the bus," he said. "You meet a nicer class of people." ................................................... |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC [ DST ] |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|