House of Commons Canteen

over educated bassoons love it, Nannypiano continuing the musical theme.

Hi Jalima, yes, I think I've mentioned the block of flats idea before, too. It does seem that these people can't lose, moneywise, at least

The main issue here is the subsidy by taxpayers, not how much anyone does or does not earn. I also think that any MP who lives in what would be described as a commuter constituency should be expected to commute, exactly like their constituents do. Maybe have a hotel/rooms available for those times when the house debates over run. Obviously those MPs representing constituencies outside this limit should have homes in or near London so they can spend the majority of the working week with their families. My MP represents a commuting constituency, yet his family home is in South London. Fair enough, but he stings the taxpayer for rent of a large farmhouse just outside his constituency, a large farmhouse which just happens to be owned by his sister in law who now lives overseas. Are you happy with that Gabriella? I most certainly am not.

It is a disgraceful mess. Eton, I note has a lot to answer for. That too is a registered charity getting subsidies for the poor charity cases that attend. We are being taken for mugs and unfortunately I predict it will get worse when the headlines on my morning paper today states’Johnson primed and ready for No10’. What a sorry state we are in.

Perhaps post Brexit we could have a clear out of these lazy over educated bassoons we refer to as politicians and select real people who understand what it's like to live with constant money worries, mortgages, families to feed, etc. I think they have all been on the gravy train too long. Time to jump off, or get pushed off, if this country is ever to be Great Britain again. Of course they should not have subsidised food and drink. On their earnings they should be charged double.

And these cretons vote against Free School Meals for the poorer kids!! I want to slap them

I think I posted that idea ages ago about apartment blocks near the HoP being available to MPs, Blinko, it seems sensible at first.

The problem is that many live in London most of the time, their children go to school in London and they only visit their constituencies at weekends - where they also require a home.
That gave rise to the 'flipping' scandals.

These people are rich, by most ordinary people's standards. Even if they have only an MP's salary, surely they do not need subsidised food and drink.

Here's an idea: the Crown Estate to purchase a couple of tower blocks within walking distance of the HoP; do them up to, say, John Lewis standard; MPs living outside a sensible agreed travelling time of the HoP would be required to use these apartments on a 'hot desk' basis when in London. To avoid subletting, no MP would actually own a flat.

No more outlandish MPs expenses. Job done!

My granddaughter still getting hers free as it’s an ‘age related ‘ thing.
Only in England, as far as I am aware, Saggi - there are no universal free schools meals in Wales, although those who are eligible do receive them. The cost varies from £2.25 to £2.95 (and no Eton Mess as far as I know!)

Someone asked about school meals....think it’s £2.50 per day per child. My granddaughter still getting hers free as it’s an ‘age related ‘ thing...but my grandson takes a packed lunch. ... as will his sister when her entitlement runs out. Although sometimes think what constitutes a packed lunch these days costs more than the price of a well proportioned school lunch. Something to think about.

I think it is appalling that we subsides them. If your employer gives you anything you have to pay tax on it as a perk, do they pay tax on this perk?

Yet another example of them not having a clue what the real word is about.

Why do ministers drive around in such expensive cars? If there are only one or two people they could be driven in something far cheaper and better for the environment.

Good idea!

Eton mess - so true

Just after reading this post about the House Of Commons Canteen, I visited Facebook and saw a post from Salford Food Bank - stating that they are continuing to see people coming to their food bank centres who haven't eaten for a number of days whilst they wait for their Universal Credit Payments. This needs to change .... and we have MP's who can easily afford to pay normal price for their meals, being subsidised by tax payers!

Because we are subsidising it! Drinks are cheap too - how nice for them. A few years back when the hereditary peerages were abolished I saw on TV an elderly couple saying how disappointed they were as they so looked forward to travelling up to the House of Lords every week and having lunch. When pressed it seemed that their fares were paid and the lunch was free. Quite what contribution they were making to the state of the nation I really cannot imagine, but their freebies probably accounted for my entire salary. This shouldn't be happening but I doubt it will ever stop - those who 'make the rules' are always going to favour themselves and yes, I do believe from reports that MPs are claiming more now than they did before the expenses scandal.

In almost every thread the spectre of 'the poor, hungry, homeless, elderly, NHS blah blah...' rears it's head.
Why?
Why can't people who have it, enjoy their wealth/comfortable circumstances instead of having it pointed out that many people rely on food banks are homeless etc.
As long as they are not crowing over the less fortunate (which would be tasteless) give them a break.
I certainly don't feel I should have to share what I have and be criticised if I don't.

They don't need to make money; just not lose it
Goodness, does that mean the price of the food reflects just the cost of the ingredients? Or do they include the wages of the staff, running costs etc in the price of the food?

A great idea Urmston and MissA
Grannies take on the MPs!

Maybe we should arrange a huge meet up there?

We should all go there for lunch then when in London,
Cheap as chips.
?

This is most likely a not-for-profit canteen for any workers in parliament.
Years ago I remember a canteen in city-hall building that was the cheapest going lunch place. They don't need to make money; just not lose it. They may very well be open to the public if you inquire.

That's a really good point Jalima about the alcohol. I don't think the MPs will take note though.

Agreed GillT57

I'm not sure how much my DS and DIL have to pay for school meals, but it is probably more than the subsidised meals in this canteen enjoyed by well-paid MPs.

As for subsidised alcohol - no-one should be drinking alcohol when they are making serious decisions about the future of our country.

Disgusting slobs.

They should not be subsidised. Why should the poorest in society have to pay taxes to do this. It is obscene, especially after their pay rise.

Totally agree, Gill.

I would prefer my money to go to school meals subsidy, not fat greedy bastards subsidy.