The composition of both the school board, which presided over some of the worst schools in the state, and the city council, which all but beggared the place, has remained much the same.

ECONOMIST: Urban affairs

Mr Jones said the situation "beggared belief".

BBC: Essex patient 'had to go to Bath for scan'

Signature beggar's purse (tiny crpes filled with caviar and lobster, tied with a shallot string) are aptly named, as your purse will indeed be beggared by the dish.

FORBES: Fact and Comment