MPs use taxes to sell themselves
British public pay thousands for politicians' staff to learn to promote their boss
London: MPs are billing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds a year to train their staff to be more effective "spin doctors".
Figures reveal that almost £500,000 (Dh2.84 million) of public money has been spent on courses designed to help staff "sell" their MPs to the public and media. Last year alone the bill was £217,000.
Courses cover topics including influencing and persuading and dealing with the media. Staff can also sign up for courses on effective writing and faster, smarter reading.
Training firm Capita's two-day course on influencing and persuading is offered to organisations at a cost per person of £899 plus VAT. Students are promised tips on identifying persuasion styles and on finding ways to persuade around people's personal values.
The course also promises to teach the power of positive thought and a technique called the pyramid of active listening.
The £499 "read faster, read smarter" course promises to pass on techniques to help people strengthen eye muscles in order to read more quickly.
Figures reveal that MPs have clocked up a £480,000 bill since a three-year deal was struck with private outsourcing firm Capita in June 2008.
Labour MP John Mann, who has campaigned to clean up Parliament's expenses system said Capita was getting "money for old rope".
Mann suggested those staff who genuinely did require training could get it more cheaply at local colleges. He added: "This shows yet more disregard for taxpayers' money".
