MEPs and their families can charge cosmetic surgery to the taxpayer

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 12:07 PM on 6th March 2011

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MEPs and their families can now charge cosmetic surgery to the taxpayer after the guidelines on medical expenses were expanded.

In a move that has been criticised as 'ripe for abuse', the £2.9m budget for medical expenses allows for a range of treatments including breast reductions, facial hair removal and massage.

The permitted treatments, outlined in The Practical Guide To Reimbursement Of Medical Expenses, will be covered by a 36 per cent rise on the £2.2m budget for 2009.

Expensive operation: The budget for medical treatment for MEPs at the European parliament in Brussels has risen by 36 per cent

Taxpayers cover at least two thirds of the cost of all medical treatments for MEPs and in many cases meet 100 per cent of the cost, with prescription Viagra and drug rehabilitation medication for withdrawal symptoms included.

With anti-aging treatments, 21 days worth of spa breaks per MEP and alternative therapies on the menu, the system has been slammed for providing perks rather than necessary cover.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1363499/MEPs-families-charge-cosmetic-surgery-taxpayer.html#ixzz1FrS26zIj