IPA/IPO Bills

Drum_Master

Hi everybody,

Could you please answer me some questions regarding an IPA.

I live with my partner in a 1 bed flat. We rent and are not married. Financially we do not have any ties (ie bank account).

What I would like to know is that in this situation how would my bills, rent etc be worked out? Would they be split down the middle?

In terms of food,groceries etc would this be considered single or couple balance? Although we cohabit, we take care of our own supplies.

Also, I have noticed that the private approx travel is about £83. I use roughly £200 a month due to work commitments. Would this be taken into account? I would assume so as it is a necessary cost.

Additionally, what allowances are given for holiday and presents? I have noticed that these are considered reasonable costs but there is no approx amounts given. Any average would be nice. Also how much for hairdressing and clothing averagely?

Any information regarding this situation would be helpful. She has no ties to me and is financially in a good place for herself.

Would this situation affect an IPA in other ways or would it all be worked out against myself?

Thank you

Flyright

You have already been given links to the OR's guideline figures in one of your (numerous) other threads. These are generally the maximum allowed by the OR. You seem to be asking the same questions on lots of different posts.

Drum_Master

Hi Flyright,

Yes I do have links to guidelines but it does not answer the situation I am in as the tie is not legally financial (married) and my partner is not responsible for my outgoings. I want to know how this will be addressed. Also the allocations I am unaware of such as holiday/presents is to OR's discretion but I would be interested to find out what other people have received.

As I have mentioned previous, I want to find all the information I can. Questions may be similar but they are not the same.

mattannar

Basically it is irrelevant whether you are married or not, your partner has an income. Therefore if she earns more than you, you should probably declare that she pays 50% of all bills, less the ones you pay seperately namely travel.
Holidays you would get away with £50 a month but forget presents.

Drum_Master

Hi Mattannar,

Thank you for the help,

I assumed it would be split down the middle but was not 100% sure how this was planned and figured out.

Thank you for your advice.

philnicandevan

and what others have had isnt always a guarantee you will...EVERY case is different

Drum_Master

Hi Phil,

Thank you for the heads up, I understand each case is different but an average is always good to go by for an idea

philnicandevan

guidelines are just that...dont be tempted to copy whats been suggested so far

OR's came down hard a little while ago after they found people had copied guidelines word for word

thats why I always say put down what your expenses are NOW rather than later...they can always be sorted once posted here

Drum_Master

Thanks for the advice Phil,

Although I have been using figures as a guide I have been allocating bills etc towards my personal needs. Is it possible for anybody to review my up to date SOA to see if it is realistic?


Monthly Income Details[/b]
Monthly income after tax................ 1240
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 0
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 1240

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 350
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 55
Electricity............................. 25
Gas..................................... 25
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 20
Telephone (land line)................... 0
Mobile phone............................ 30
TV Licence.............................. 6
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 0
Internet Services....................... 10
Groceries etc. ......................... 206
Clothing................................ 40
Petrol/diesel........................... 220 (Needed for work purposes £40 per week)
Road tax................................ 12
Car Insurance........................... 50
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 50
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 0
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 50
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 0
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 10
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 10
Haircuts................................ 15
Entertainment........................... 0
Holiday................................. 40
Emergency fund.......................... 10
Total monthly expenses.................. 1234

Assets[/b]
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 500
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 500


Monthly Budget Summary[/b]
Total monthly income.................... 1,240
Expenses (including HP & secured debts). 1,234
Available for debt repayments........... 6

TheGardener

The OR might get picky with the petrol - it is high and they may say you need justify that much.
Food - over £400 a month for two people is a bit steep - you might get challenged on that - £300 is nearer what most of us get so £150 a month is more like it - however, your partner can spend as much as they want on food!
Other than that I would say you are not far off.

Flyright

Hmm, your rent and petrol seem to have increased since you last posted an SOA. I get the feeling you are contriving your figures to avoid an IPA. Be aware that the OR might see it that way too..they are not stupid and csn ask you to provide proof of all your expenditure.