THE Chris Moncrieff column is always entertaining and informative. However, I would like to comment on one item in his last column (The Press, November 22).

As a long standing Republican, the fact that the government has allowed Buckingham Palace, a public building, to fall into such disrepair is annoying.

With a near £400 million repair bill from the public purse, something drastic needs to be done with the building when it is restored to a pristine condition.

I just wonder what those who are living in squalid conditions due to high rents, including many children, think of one of the world’s richest women sitting back and allowing us to foot the bill.

They could easily create a granny flat - how much room do they actually need? - and use the rest of the building to generate cash such as conferences and exhibition space.

The Royal household could hire the rooms for investitures and banquets etc.

If Prince Charles holds to his promise to downsize the monarchy, the plan just might appeal to him.

Keith Isaac, Byron Drive, York