英国政府已取消了驻布宜诺斯艾利斯、圣地亚哥、平壤、巴拿马城、巴马科和萨拉热窝等6个地点英国外交官的艰苦津贴[1]。这些津贴在过去30年间一直用于补偿在危险或健康风险较高城市工作的公务员及其家属[1]。根据2009年最后公布的数据，布宜诺斯艾利斯的津贴为1517英镑，圣地亚哥为777英镑，而巴基斯坦卡拉奇的津贴最高达26647英镑[1]。
取消决定引发了政治争议[1]。保守党主席Kevin Hollinrake批评这一政策对纳税人不公平，指出"纳税人正在为此买单"，并承诺若保守党重新执政将削减公务员规模[1]。保守党还指责政府向巴厘岛、开普敦等度假胜地的外交官提供津贴[1]。英国外交部对此进行了辩护，发言人表示："英国外交官在全球最艰苦和最具挑战性的环境中服役，我们有责任妥善支持他们的工作"[1]。目前仍有144个地点保留津贴，包括曼谷、开普敦、吉隆坡、迪拜、阿布扎比和马斯喀特[1]。
The British government has discontinued hardship bonuses for diplomats stationed in six locations, including Buenos Aires, according to a policy shift that ends three decades of compensation for officials working in challenging environments [1]. The eliminated posts include Santiago, Panama City, Pyongyang, Bamako, Sarajevo, and Buenos Aires [1].
The hardship allowance system, which has historically supported civil servants and their families in cities deemed dangerous or posing significant health risks, will remain in place for 144 other locations [1]. Cities retaining the benefit include Bangkok, Cape Town, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat [1]. Historical payment levels recorded in 2009 show the allowance varied significantly by location, with Karachi receiving the highest amount at £26,647 annually, while Buenos Aires received £1,517 and Santiago £777 [1].
The decision has drawn criticism from the Conservative Party, with party chairman Kevin Hollinrake arguing that "taxpayers are footing the bill" and pledging to reduce civil service numbers if the party returns to power [1]. In response, a Foreign Office spokesperson stated: "UK diplomats serve in some of the world's most difficult and challenging environments, and we have a responsibility to properly support them in their work" [1].