Help! What is the amount the law says you need to live on?

Surfer

Due to posts which appear to attack rather than answer the question I have removed the post. Thanks to those who took the time to read the post and pass on relevant information.

merlin68

Sounds about right as your partner works. YOu won't get council tax on that income anyway.

Surfer

Not relevant

karenx

Do you need a car?? Would save you on petrol, insurance, road tax etc?

Surfer

We have thought of selling it but my wife starts work between 5:20 am and 6 am so the car is essential as there is no public transport at that time and her work is nearly 15 miles away from our home. In addition the car is on HP and even if we were able to sell it ther would be a deficit of nearly £2000. It is a 1.8 auto as I cannot drive a manual.

karenx

Anyway to cut back on petrol? Make sure your tyres are always correctly pumped up etc? Can you sell it and get a cheaper car?

dmg24

If there are only two of you, you could half your food bill. Have a look at the Old Style board.

Your rent is low, I doubt a caravan would be much cheaper.

Kimitatsu

If you go to www.entitledto.co.uk that is the same calculator that local govt departments use. Put in all of the figures and see what it comes up with - it may be you are not claiming all that you are entitled to but the council is assuming that you do!

Surfer

Not relevant to original question

dmg24

You are still liable for council tax in a caravan.

viktory

Surfer wrote: »

Fuel alone for the car costs £35 per week

That is one hell of a lot of money - my husband spends £40 a week. This covers travel to and from work (40 miles a day) plus trips out at the weekend. He drives a Ford Focus 1.6. we are looking to downgrade to a diesel Fiesta Climate as it will save immensely on fuel and tax. Perhaps you should consider doing the same.