Is the royal family costing the taxpayer too much - vote in our poll

29 June 2023 , 11:36

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The Sovereign Grant Report shows expenses for the Firm increased by five percent (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The royal family received a staggering £107 million from the taxpayer last year - breaking the £100m mark for the second time in history - and we want to hear YOUR thoughts.

Published today, the Sovereign Grant Report shows expenses for the Firm increased by five percent compared to the previous year - a rise of £5.1million.

Every year, the King is handed the taxpayer-funded settlement, known as the Sovereign Grant, which was worth £86.3m for 2022-23. Members of the royal family can only use the grant to pay for expenses related to their official duties, and the amount is based on a proportion of the profits of the Crown Estate.

However, repairs to Buckingham Palace - which is undergoing a 10-year £369m refurbishment plan - alongside costs associated with King Charles succeeding Queen Elizabeth, and soaring inflation, took total spending to an astonishing £107.5m.

Reports have revealed that the King ordered staff in the royal palaces to turn the heating down to save cash, with temperatures set at 19C during the winter, despite receiving the eye-watering sum.

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At a time where households across the UK are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, including soaring energy prices and high inflation, do you think the royal family is costing the taxpayer too much? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.

Freya Hodgson