The UK does not have enough funds to repair the royal property, according to ee24.com citing The Daily Mail. Almost 40% of the buildings belonging to the royal family are in a poor state. Speaking in parliament, the Royal Family's treasurer, Sir Alan Reid, acknowledged that the cost of repair is estimated in approximately £50 million (€58.7 million).
Buckingham Palace roof leaks and employees are forced to use buckets to save the interiors and pieces of art. Windsor Castle roof was patched for so many times that now it needs to be replaced.
Despite the future allocations increase to run household, which will be up to £37.9 million in 2014/15 from £31 million in 2012/13, the royal residences will continue to deteriorate: the allocated funds are barely enough to conduct formal events and royal tours.
House of Commons MPs have expressed their concern on delays with palaces repair to the Treasury. MPs also wondered electric bill increased up to £3.1 million this year and advised the royal employees to turn off the lights before leaving. Sir Alan Reid explained this growth with deterioration of the outdated boilers which were not replaced for 60 years. The wiring also wasn’t replaced since 1949.
Labour’s Fiona Mactaggart said she was shocked by self-complacence of the treasurer while he was talking about the terrible state of the palace. Sir Alan Reid replied that he would love to repair all the Queen's property, but due to limited funds he had to make priorities.
The same time Sir Reid expressed his hope that future sufficient funding will advance the repair of the royal residences.