Bhelliom
06-22-2005, 02:39 PM
LONDON (AP) - British taxpayers paid the equivalent of just over $1.38 Cdn each last year to support the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, a "good value" as far as monarchies go, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday.
The palace, which has been under political pressure to control costs in recent years, said in its annual summary that the senior royals' expenses totalled the equivalent of $83 million Cdn in the fiscal year ended March 31.
That is down 0.3 per cent from the previous year. Considering inflation, spending was down 2.3 per cent, the palace said.
"We believe this represents a value-for-money monarchy," said Alan Reid, keeper of the privy purse, the official responsible for royal finances.
"We're not looking to provide the cheapest monarchy. We're looking at one of good value and good quality."
Significant savings had been made on insurance and through a property tax rebate on Buckingham Palace, Reid said. The royals were refunded the equivalent of more than $2.26 million Cdn from a local council for taxes paid on the central London property after successfully winning an appeal against a large tax increase in 2000.
The Royal Family spent more money in the past year on employing staff, hosting receptions for visiting heads of state, ceremonial occasions and overseas tours.
Prince Charles' chartered plane trip to Sri Lanka, Australia and Fiji in February cost the equivalent of $678,211 Cdn, while Buckingham Palace spent just over $1.1 million on hosting garden parties.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2005/06/22/1099613-ap.html
Its nice to know they're looking for a value-centred royal family instead of the highest authority in the land
"I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a King." Elizabeth I
The palace, which has been under political pressure to control costs in recent years, said in its annual summary that the senior royals' expenses totalled the equivalent of $83 million Cdn in the fiscal year ended March 31.
That is down 0.3 per cent from the previous year. Considering inflation, spending was down 2.3 per cent, the palace said.
"We believe this represents a value-for-money monarchy," said Alan Reid, keeper of the privy purse, the official responsible for royal finances.
"We're not looking to provide the cheapest monarchy. We're looking at one of good value and good quality."
Significant savings had been made on insurance and through a property tax rebate on Buckingham Palace, Reid said. The royals were refunded the equivalent of more than $2.26 million Cdn from a local council for taxes paid on the central London property after successfully winning an appeal against a large tax increase in 2000.
The Royal Family spent more money in the past year on employing staff, hosting receptions for visiting heads of state, ceremonial occasions and overseas tours.
Prince Charles' chartered plane trip to Sri Lanka, Australia and Fiji in February cost the equivalent of $678,211 Cdn, while Buckingham Palace spent just over $1.1 million on hosting garden parties.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2005/06/22/1099613-ap.html
Its nice to know they're looking for a value-centred royal family instead of the highest authority in the land
"I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a King." Elizabeth I