Letters From A Tory Daily views on British politics and the Conservative Party from a centre-right thinker who writes letters on his blog to politicians, journalists and many others.

“This falls well short of what is required. It is a game of Monopoly – pass Go and collect £200.”

- Norman Baker, Lib Dem MP, reacting to the news that peers will receive a tax-free annual salary of nearly £30,000 on top of allowances worth £20,000 under reforms to be introduced following a series of expenses scandals.  For the first time, Lords are to receive a daily fee of £200, described as a “contribution to income,” for clocking in at the upper chamber, even if they stay for only a couple of hours.  The reforms involve an effective £3,000-a-year pay rise, as under the current system peers can claim up to £26,000 in subsistence and office allowances, the equivalent of £180 a day.  And the salary is in addition to £140-a-day in overnight costs for lords who do not live in London. (full story HERE)