• Promises made for 2012 bid: Can we keep them?

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As we are picking up the bill for the Olympics, every household that applies for tickets should get at least two. The rest can be distributed on a ballot basis. It's outrageous that we applied on time, are paying for it through taxes and were rejected any tickets, when some people got all their £10,000 worth... scandal!

- P L, London, 18/06/2011 12:24
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Fairplyy to this couple, I personaly think that the government are taking for granted tax payers and change tax levels to line their own pockets.

if i could get away with it i would not pay a penny i work hard just to pay for the governments lawn to be cut.

- Deepak, west midlands, 10/12/2009 22:19
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Can someone tell me why we're spending billions of pounds to host the Olympics in 2012 when we are just about to enter a recession? How can we be heading towards a recession if we've got billions to spend? Its a complete waste of money and we cant afford it......or can we?

- Angie, Ingatestone, Essex, 11/09/2008 15:28
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We were never asked if we wanted this scandalous waste of money on unneeded stadia and all the shambles of four years preparations for 10 days of sport. The Commonwealth Games don't cost that.

Since we were not asked, why should Londoners pay?

- Christina Speight, west london, 11/09/2008 14:28
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All the gainsayers of the Olympics have completely missed the point.

It will massively regenerate an enormous part of East London, creating a more pleasant environment, more jobs and an increase in tourism. The games are just the catalyst. The Chinese didn't spend £20billion on a set of athletic games - if it cost that much the annual world championships wouldn't be able to happen - they spent it on building infrastructure and facilities for people. Which is exactly what we're doing.

The Dome didn't cost £750 million. The extension to the jubilee line, improved roads, environmental cleaning of a severely polluted area - all of that cost the money and the same will be the case for the Olympics.

As for whether or not they should pay - they should - I have no children and have good health yet pay over £1000 a month in tax and National insurance to fund schools, hospitals, defence, infrastructure and don't begrudge it - it's for the benefit of all society not just me. These 2 are just selfish, their age has nothing to do with it. Pay it or move out.

- Liberal And Proud, London, UK, 11/09/2008 14:28
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Were the Romans taxed to pay for the Colosseum When were the "Great British" public consulted on whether or not they wanted this 10 day entertainment. Can anyone explain the democratic manner in which these decisions where made and the justification of raising taxes to pay not only for the building program but for the sportsmen and women awarded tax money for their pastimes. We fail to support our soldiers and our medical service adequately and yet have money for games. The old adage of keeping the masses entertained to prevent unrest is once more being upheld. When can we feed some of this rubbish to the lions.

- Gerry, Hertfordshire, England, 11/09/2008 14:28
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I think its a selfish attitude. There are a lot of things that Council Tax goes towards that not everyone uses or benefits directly from, for example I don't use libraries but I pay towards them, people pay for education and schools but may not have children - its all part of a civilised society. Also, London will accrue more benefits then the rest of the country, including a new park, sports facilities, increase in tourism etc and the associated befits that they also provide. Current surveys, as well as though conducted in the run up towards London being awarded the Olympics, show around 70% of the population, and Londoners, being in favour of London hosting.

- Rob, London, 11/09/2008 14:28
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If everyone did the same, maybe this ridiculous waste of money could be stopped - the courts would certainly not be able to cope...

- Teddy, Islington, London, 11/09/2008 14:28
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Absolutely right that they should not have to pay! If the UK cannot afford the games it should give them away now to a country that can. Moreover, it is time this ridiculous bidding for games ceases anyway. Why not let the IOC find an island in a temperate climate where all the nations of the world create the planets best sporting event, then every four years one nation can host the event, bringing in national themes etc. The present system does nothing but feed the bank balances of certain companies and certain IOC officials who benefit from privileged access to contracts etc. An Olympic tax is simply a hurdle too far!

- Mark, Hong Kong, 11/09/2008 14:28
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This says it all...

A spokesman for Barnet council said: "As the collecting authority, the council takes a strong approach to collecting any unpaid council tax and will use all available means to ensure that residents pay the full amount for which they are liable."

They just seem to forget that they are there to serve us. They are not our masters.

- John, Bangkok, Thailand, 11/09/2008 14:28
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I support the Glenister. Enen so that London is holding the games everyone is invited. The pm chants that the whole of the country will benefit the why shouldn't everyone participate in the cost?

It appears that our stupid leaders ( government and civil servants )haven't learnt from the problems suffered by other Towns hosting the games in the past. Or are they just playing wise, in passing the famous buck. By getting others to foot the extortionate bills, while telling the populace that it'll be good and cheap? Thus ordering them to enjoy and stop winging about the system spending their good hard earn't monies?

- Winsley, London England, 11/09/2008 14:28
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I just wish I had the guts to do the same.

- Deborah, London, 11/09/2008 14:28
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I disagree with many of the things my taxes are wasted on, but I still have to pay them. It's the law - if you don't like it use your vote.

- Ian, London, 11/09/2008 14:28
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And right they are! This article made it trough to the Belgian papers and everyone agrees that if any country wants to host the Olympics, they should first of all be able to afford it, rather then collecting it from the pensioners, working people,... Dear Tom and Rita, keep it up, you certainly have plenty of supporters in Belgium!!

- Veerle, Brugge, Belgium, 11/09/2008 14:28
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