AM condemns Prince Charles’ £3 million subsidy
23 Mehefin 2009
Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins has today called for a debate on the future of the Monarchy following reports today that taxpayers funded the work of Prince Charles to the tune of £3m last year – an annual rise of almost a quarter.Figures released by Clarence House show a rise of 48 per cent in official travel by air and rail, which totalled £1.7 million.
Speaking today, Ms Jenkins said:
“I find this news scandalous. At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, whilst people fear losing their jobs and homes, an unelected individual has been subsidised to the tune of three million pound by the tax-payer.
“It is unacceptable that Price Charles travelled more than 50,000 miles to attend 658 official engagements during his 60th birthday year – his world is quite clearly far-removed from the day-to-day realities of ordinary people.”
Ms Jenkins also emphasised her dismay at the fact that Prince Charles’ personal income rose by 8 per cent in 2008 and 1 per cent in 2009. She added:
“Prince Charles’ personal income rose considerably last year and yet he has spent more tax-payers money on an over-indulgent series of birthday jollies, add to that the fact that his tax bill has been slashed by 10 per cent and it leaves a bitter taste.
“It’s time we had a full debate on the future of the Monarchy, and serious consideration needs to be given to the case for an elected head of state to replace an out-dated, out-of-touch and costly Royal Family.”
