Royal family costs rise to 40 million pounds
LONDON (Reuters) - The Queen and the royal family cost taxpayers 40 million pounds in 2007-08, a rise of two million pounds from the previous year, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.
The annual report into the royal finances showed that the Queen was not immune to the rising costs that have hit millions of her subjects in the last year.
It warned that cuts to the royal property budget have created a backlog of urgent works that will cost 32 million pounds within 10 years.
Outstanding projects include:
* Replacing the lead and slate roofs at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. (Cost: 16 million pounds)
* Updating the heating and electrical systems at Buckingham Palace. (2.4 million pounds)
* Replacing the 19th century iron and lead water pipes at Windsor. (Three million pounds)
Palace officials said a drive to conserve energy at palaces and other royal buildings had helped to cut costs and reduce environmental pollution. Continued...
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