The Met Office pays for itself through various revenue streams. Indeed, it is extremely profitable. From their last annual report:
"The profit for the financial year was £12.3 million (2003-4, £1.9 million). A proposed dividend of £6.0 million will be paid to the Ministry of Defence for the year. A retained profit of £6.3 million (2003-4, £1.9 million) has been transferred to the general reserve."
Looks like all those aviators, broadcasters and farmers have been paying for it, not your taxes. Of course, accurate weather forecasting is a life and rest issue anyway, so isn't really a luxury.
True, this is funded by government. However, that funding is by the Foreign Office, who judge that it is good value in promoting "British values" throughout the world. It is not intended for consumption in the UK either as a luxury or essential service.
The CAB is a charity and relies on its many unpaid volunteers to provide the service. It is not a funded government service paid out of general taxation. It is also not a luxury for those unfortunate enough to need their services.
Funded by the newspapers, free at the point of delivery.
You really couldn't have come up with a better set of examples to make yourself look uninformed!!! Only one of your suggestions was actually supported by taxation, and that provides services not specifically intended for the direct use of UK residents!
Christian.
