Change of circumstances / expenses

doomandgloom

Hi guys

I would really appreciate your thoughts on a change of circumstances that I would like to put forward to the OR. I have already drafted a letter but before I send i would like to know your thoughts.

I am seeking an increase of expenses of 70 per month.

1. Additional fuel costs due to being at work more. This is due to a volunteer role i have applied for to gain experience which should lead to better career prospects and Wage increase in the future. Ideally increase by 20 per month.

I know the OR won't quibble ordinarily, but could this be different because I'm volunteering my time?

2. I am lactose And wheat intolerant and could ideally do with an additional 30 per month to buy specialist food. I have a housekeeping allowance of 300 pm for me and little one. I have never had an allowance before but feel that I am struggling on that allowance. A loaf of bread for me can cost £3!

3. Costs to go swimming as advised (recently) by my physio. This would work out 20 per month.


As some Of you may know I do not have an IPA and I cannot realistically find the money for these additional expenses. I already go without clothing, hairdressing and have no emergency funds after all other.expenses are covered. So I will need to.work more hours.

Is the OR likely to oppose these changes? I am able to provide evidence for all if required.

And assuming they allow the above, would they be okay with me working extra hours?

TIA

TheGardener

Hi - it may be a bit early for me yet - if you don't have an IPA, why do you need to contact the OR to change your expenses?

lilybankrupt

I guess if the OP has to work some extra hours to be able to afford these 'new' things, that will mean an increased income to be declared? There will still be no spare cash for an IPA if the new matching expenses are agreed though.

There's no benefit to the OR in declining the expenses as presumably the OP would then just not work the extra hours? I realise that's not a reason for the OR to agree them though!

doomandgloom

Hi guys

Yes I think I would need to declare it because I would need to work extra hours. I am going to ask the OR if both increases in expenditure and working hours would be acceptable. I just wanted the take of the guys more.experienced than me as to how it might go.

TheGardener

Sorry - I was a bit slow on the upptake there...Well like lily says - if they say no then you just don't work the extra hours I guess.

doomandgloom

That makes sense. Probably should have been obvious!