European Commission to ask for budget top up after failing to balance the books
And MEPs are expected to approve a seven per cent increase in Brussels' budget for 2013
David Cameron faces calls to reject demands

By Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor
PUBLISHED: 15:55, 4 October 2012
UPDATED: 16:20, 4 October 2012


The European Commission, headed by President Jose Manuel Barroso, says it needs the extra money to plug a shortfall

There is usually a shortfall in some areas of EU spending, which means overspends in other budgets can be absorbed.

But as austerity sweeps across Europe, more countries are making claims on Commission funds.

On October 23 the Commission will ask for the budget top-up, which will amount to an increase of more than seven per cent.

And three days later MEPs in the European Parliament are expected to approve a seven per cent in increase in the 2013 Brussels budget worth another £7billion.

Today Richard Ashworth, the leader of Conservative MEPs, said: ‘Instead of splurging money at projects in an uncontrolled manner, we need much better discipline to produce a better managed and more efficient European budget.

‘We need a better EU budget, not more EU spending at a time of austerity. We need to end this Oliver Twist mentality and adopt a smarter, more controlled approach that gives bang for every buck.’

Mr Clark, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, condemned the ‘fiscal incontinence at the European level’ when national budgets are making cuts.

‘When both in the UK and across European countries we're advocating fiscal responsibility, we can't possibly exempt EU institutions from that,’ he told the Telegraph. ‘We have got be consistent.’

Britain’s total bill for the Commission and the Parliament could reach £1.8billion.

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence party, said today: ‘As the UK faces belt-tightening across the board, and all government departments are being asked to rein in their spending, it is extraordinary that the EU is demanding an increase in funding.

'No cost benefit analysis of our membership can justify this increase.

'It is out of the question that Cameron accede to their demands. He must speak slowly and clearly, no more British taxpayers money should be poured on the sand of the failing EU.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2212879/Forget-austerity-Brussels-wants-8BILLION-realising-sums-add-up.html