<<whispers>> Would anyone mind having a look at my SOA??

MissPants_2

Thanks Remmer and fermi. Added swimming lessons as have seen on here somewhere that one extra-curricular activity per child may be allowed. Don't see how I can add holidays, as that'll take me over my income!

Richard_S

MissPants wrote: »

Thanks Remmer and fermi. Added swimming lessons as have seen on here somewhere that one extra-curricular activity per child may be allowed. Don't see how I can add holidays, as that'll take me over my income!

Hi MP,

There's nothing wrong with showing a negative amount. It's a safety net in case the O.R disallows anything and if you're queried on it, which we were, the explanation is that you appreciate your expenditure exceeds your income and you're desperately trying to cut costs where you can.

There's a natural human tendency to under estimate expenses so you need to be certain that you'v included everything, and that there's some "slack" in the budget to allow for any unexpected expenditure.

Best regards

Richard

MissPants_2

Ok, have done some tweaking:

This is based on a household of me and my 5 yo son.

SOA:

Rent £860
Housekeeping £275 (was £260)
Gas, electricity, other heating £70 (was £66)
Water £25
Telephone £69 (I know, I know, this includes broadband which I need for work and for college)
Travelling to and from work and other essential journeys - £100 (in form of petrol)
Clothing - £50
Council Tax - £97

OTHER ESSENTIAL PAYMENTS (here's where it gets interesting):

Childcare - £10, School meals - £6, School trips - £1, Child's swimming lessons - £13, TV licence - £12, Contents Insurance - £17, AA cover - £10, Car servicing & repairs -£30, Car tax - £17, Car Insurance - £38, Pet food & care - £2, Hairdressing - £20, Emergencies - £10, College fees - £100, Mobile (have a contract) - £38, Holidays - £30 = Total £324.00

GRAND TOTAL £1900.00

What do you think? Also, what do I have to put under Other Property Of Any Value in the Assets section of the form? Have put my car, which I have resigned myself to accepting they will take. Otherwise - not sure - laptop? TV?

Many thanks.

MissPants_2

Sorry, subtotal of Other Essential Expenses should be £354.

tigerfeet2006

How much is the car worth?

No need to put laptop or TV down unless they are super duper flashy ones worth a grand. They are just looking for things like antiques etc.

MissPants_2

The car is worth approx £3000 I think. Guy at CCCS said yesterday they still might not take it but in view of fact I have diddly squat else to offer them, my feeling is that they will, but will let me get a cheaper one apparently as do need it to get to work.

Richard_S

Hi MP,

I think you should make the assumption that you need a reliable car for work because it involves a lot of travelling. It's fine in principle to say you can get a chepaer car for £1k but in reality it would cost a fortune to keep it on the road, higher fuel consumption. Emphasise your vulnerability and try to think of as many reasons as you can why you should be allowed to keep it; convince yourself and you may well be able to convince the O.R.

Regards

Richard