The cost to the public purse of giving London’s police officers a free ride on the railways has risen to £24 million a year, The Times has learnt.
The Metropolitan Police is facing Whitehall pressure over the cost of the perk, which enables its 31,000 officers to travel up to 50 miles (80km) beyond London without having to buy a ticket, even if they are off duty. Officers just show their warrant cards to inspectors.
With police forces around the country being told to make efficiency savings, the future of ticketless rail travel for the Met is under review.
Scotland Yard confirmed that its contract for the scheme with the Association of Train Operating Companies cost £16 million for 2008-09. Five years ago the scheme cost half that. The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) also has to meet an estimated £8 million tax liability because the travel deal is regarded by the taxman as a perk.
Read more...
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment it is much appreciated.