Thought Id start this one going because its rather dead on this board at the moment and I suppose all my usual muckers are either at the Stella tennis event watching Dim Tim (lose again) or at Henly Regatta eating cucumber sandwiches (they wish,...NOT).

Anyway please feel free to just talk to yourself blast away and let it go on any company or subject you wish. Just wish Id thought of this one before.

cheers GF.

.

The problem is this.

New rules bought in after the expenses scandal no longer allow MPs to claim mortgage interest.
They have got round this by use of a legal (or at least a Government, looking after it's own rule) loop hole.

Quick example.

MP Smith owns a property in London which is next to an identical property owned by MP Brown.
Under current rules if both own the proerties, they can not cliam mortgage interest on expenses, if they live in their own property, they can not claim rent, as it is not allowed to pay yourself rent.
To get round this, both sell their properties to each other for the same price, so they make no gain or loss.
They can then rent from each other at the same price, claiming up to £1,400 pcm or £20,000 per year.
Of course these rents should be at the market price, but who is going to query a few thousand quid, and at London prices, its probably about right.
So if they rent to each other, they can both make £20,000 more than if they both live in their own owned property.
These are the same people that call companies 'morally currupt' when they use company tax loop holes.
And yes, if they need a second home and already own such, they would not get any expenses, apart from the usual household costs of energy bills and the like.
If they did not own such a property, they could then still rent, but there would be tighter control on this rent being treated as an expence if their landlords were not MP's .
It's the renting from each other, or the renting of a property that was originally owned, then sold to a company and rented back and the secracy of amount of rent paid that stinks.
And as Mnamreh states, any gain on a sale should be paid back, but without transparency, this is often not done, as several have admitted to not doing untill they are caught out.
As to any gain via the loop hole renting scheme, as its not elegal or against the rules, they do not have to pay it back, thats why they do it.
Anyone who can't see morally currupt similarities between these MP's and some companies, should look again!

Stan, thanks very much for your reply.
2517

The Football Association clears Mark Clattenburg of using "inappropriate language" towards John Mikel Obi but charges the Chelsea player.

now lets see if the black football lawyers call for a 8 match ban .
or are they racist .or does it only work one way
and make the chelsea player pay him damages .

if this had been a weaker person he could of taken is own life that is how bad this was .all players must think before they act.
so a ban and fine must be the call.

It only works one way Tanker, to answer your question. It's utterly appalling what Clattenburg has gone through in the last few weeks. A decent guy subjected to racist allegations, completely ill-founded. The black football lawyer involved in this case appeared on Sky news and was completely unapologetic.

Referees decisions, irrespective whether correct or incorrect during a match should not be open to question by players imo. Never known a referee to change his mind no matter how many players protest, should make it a bookable offence or a straight red, that would soon put an end to this sort of nonsense. By the same token referees have to be accountable for those decisions, post match meetings would do the trick where the referees performance is judged. 4th official should be done away with they are just whipping boys a complete waste of time. Used to be judged insane if you were a player and asked to play in goal, current situation you must be insane to want to be a referee.

doodle yes he was a piece of crap a very un honest person .
when are the FOOTBALL fans going to wake up to what is going on
the fans are treated like shit .

wee will now see if the FA have any balls

Ah bless - Bullish bankers struggle to adjust to bonus cutbacks

just watched sky news what a bloody disgrace CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB IS
THE CLUB IS A TOTAL DISGRACE .the fans should be proud of a disgusting club

Hi Skinny,

Lol, but it's not fair to make fun of them as things are becoming desperate, as I experienced only yesterday.
Yesterday, I was passing one of those soup kitchens that are springing up everywhere, when I heard someone shout, 'Whats a banker like you doing in here'.
At least I think thats what was shouted!

Greek :-)


Egypt protesters torch Muslim Brotherhood offices

Protesters in Egypt have set fire to Muslim Brotherhood offices in several cities, according to state TV.

They were demonstrating against President Mohammed Mursi's decision to grant himself sweeping new powers.

I am going to Egypt next Wed for a couple of weeks (staying away from Cairo).
What with the Coptic Cristians being attacked and now the Muslim Brotherhood, I will probably be safe wearing my Druid leather, cloth and sandals, although I think to cover all eventualities I will take a prayer mat, crucifix and kippar just in case.

Sensibke comments on last night's Question Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO-22uJG9xk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

A fact there is no denying.
Palestinians under Hamas (that's not the average Palestinian) does not want and will never accept peace with Israel.
Their main 'stated' aim is the same as the rulers of Iran, the total destruction of Israel and death to all Jewish people.
So no matter what happens, or who you believe is right or wrong, either the Jewish people fight or die.
I reiterate, that it is not the general population who want death ad destruction, as in most countries, you will find the average person just wants to get on with their own lives and live in peace.

Off topic chaps.

Hi Stan,

This is a talk about anything thread, but I do take your point.
I think many will have differing views re this, but I am sure we all agree that peace is always better than war.
Will try to discuss other things.
Have a good weekend all.

I saw one the those old £5 notes the other day!

So did I hanging off my charm bracelet plus a 10 bob and a £1 one, just wish they were krugerrands. haha.