The historic referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU will cost British taxpayers’ more than £142m ($200m, €179m), according to the Conservative government. Cabinet Office minister John Penrose said the total cost for the 23 June ballot had been discussed and agreed with the Electoral Commission. “This includes the expenses incurred by Counting Officers in running the poll, grants to the designated lead campaign organisations, the delivery by Royal Mail of campaign mailings from those organisations, and the cost of the central count,” the Tory MP informed parliament on 23 March.
“It is important that Counting Officers and the Electoral Commission have the resources necessary to conduct the Referendum effectively and efficiently.”
Harry Davis, campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: “Of course democracy comes at a price, but the authorities must always be seeking to keep administrative costs down.
Full Article: EU referendum: Historic vote on Britain’s future will cost UK taxpayers £142m.