Why do MPs get subsidised food?

[IShotTheDeputyItWasMe]

Ok, if they are travelling, they should not be out of pocket. Like many workers, they should be able to claim reasonable expenses depending how long they are away on work trips etc.

However, I've never known any pubpic sector workplace put alcohol on expenses as standard. I've also never known any workplace to pay for their workers lunches when they are in their normal place of work.

Some companies may run a subsidised canteen but that will come put of the company profits, not the public purse.

Basically, why do we pay to subsidise food and then pay again to cover unreasonable food costs?

Police here-our canteen closed down years ago!

MP pay is rubbish. If they just have their basic salary and no other perks then you’d end up with an even worse calibre of person putting themselves forward.

Where in the world is that happening?
Does Pharmacy offer cut price crack to go with it?

Is normal place of work is constituency? In which case, should be able to expense to get to HOP and then expense lunch. Having a canteen is probs cheaper than them all running out to Pret... And less time wasted too. ?

I imagine same as any job where you have to attend a different location to regular work place- you can claim lunch as expenses and travel to / from as an expense.

Quick google and I can’t find reference to any hospital having a bar.
30 years ago, same as police stations but they have all long gone.

I really struggle to see how alcohol is made available on the premises but even more so at subsided rates

A few years ago ago my husband then working in local government needed to attend a high court case in London for a couple of nights along with a couple of elected councillors. We are North Midlands. I found it shocking that his evening meal allowance was £5.50 (so out of pocket on an enforced work trip to eat in London) while the councillors allowance was £25. They also both took home more in annual allowances than his LA wage as a specialist.

Because we're all worried about the poor dears being undernourished.

2 points:
This isn't a race to the bottom. Hospital staff and police should have decent canteens too.
MPs are really underpaid for the role they do when you compare to private sector. If we want decent people from a range of backgrounds we need to make it attractive.

My work canteen sells main cooked meals for £3.95 - veggie and £4.10 - meat or fish.

It also sells subsidised breakfast. No bar tho!

I'll have to ask round tomorrow when I go in for my nightshift, for some reason this has never been mentioned. That would definitely take the edge off. Maybe I'll not bother taking food in with me and just get a bar snack instead 🤔

What ?

Have a shandy whilst you are there 😀

I don’t know how many times at work I’ve been bollocked for “stealing” a teabag from the ward trolley as a doctor , have even been threatened with getting my line manager involved. For having a cup of tea at work ! I don’t see why NHS staff aren’t allowed free horrible tea/coffee but MPs get all these expenses

I know it’s unfashionable but I think MPs’ expenses are reasonable.

I’d prefer to ask why perks aren’t the norm for everyone rather than try to remove perks for those lucky enough to have them.

Yes

Ok so maybe MPs could make this available for hospital staff.
Then perhaps their constituents might have more sympathy when MPs make sure their own needs are met??

Unfortunately yes

Yes, plenty of time in my 30 minute break! Hang on though, maybe it's not a good idea to drink alcohol when you're doing an essential job that could affect the lives of lots of other people . . .??

I have stood for Parliament three times, and know several MPs. None of them are in it for themselves and I wouldn’t have been either.

Your trite, cliched attitude is both offensive and wrong.

Thanks.

I mean !

Oh vocation 🙄

No real job security and compared to a lot of alleged salaries on Mumsnet, they don't even earn that much.

I'd get rid of the alcohol though.

MP basic salary is 91k. In the private sector that is a mid management role salary. At 91k you aren’t going to attract anyone with even a modicum of senior level experience in business.