garjo

Pound has reached all time low for 50 years, talk of an emergency BoE meeting to raise interest rates; three days in from Kwartengs budget - it all seems to going smoothly.

We use Pears, nothing like opening a new bar and putting it on top of the sink . I was also thinking of getting some Vosene, not sure if they sell it anymore.

In my experience the quickest way to get this resolved is to contact your local MP, it does seem to speed up any delays.

Thanks for feedback. I think for me it's worth paying the £800. When I reach retirement age it should pay itself back after a few years (assuming I don't die before) and as others have said if it's linked with triple lock increases I should benefit by the annual increases. As I see it, it's better than having £800 in a bank a/c earning very little interest.

There's been publicity around paying voluntary contributions for those years where you have a shortfall. The scheme allows you to pay voluntary contributions which then helps to boost your state pension up to £185 (current rates). Looking at the pros and cons of this, okay so you pay around £800 (one off payment) for each year there is shortfall but you can get up to £250 year back ongoing. Has any pw members done this? https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/

There's a case currently in the news about this: https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/11/london-cycling-tycoon-sues-neighbours-over-japanese-knotweed-16810223/

If Starker resigns on a point of principle it would put Johnson in an impossible position. That combined with Nandy as leader would be a nightmare scenario for the Tories especially red wall tories.

As per above, Ridgeline do some really nice ones, warm and hard wearing.

It's getting to the point where some dog owners will not walk their dogs in these areas for fear of their dog being attacked. It's a real shame for those owners who are older and more vulnerable.

As per title. Looking for advice about these dogs. We have had problems with these dogs off lead charging and running up to other dogs. I've never heard about these dogs until recently, are they legal? It's just a matter of time before they attack another dog. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Yes , you're right the property is disregarded where it is occupied by a spouse, partner etc and/or in some circumstances a close relative

Council tax increases to pay for social care, it won't just be funded via increased NI.

The reality is that the vast majority of people will continue to pay for care even with the £86k cap. Those with long term are needs are more likely to reach the cap, the average length of time people stay in a residential care home is around 2 years.

Just wait for council tax rises next April, some forecasts up to 5-6% increase.

I had pancreatitis caused by gall stones, it's so painful. The mortality rate for acute pancreatitis is about 20%. After having gall bladder removed its now sorted. Diet has been modified including giving up alcohol.

We are in the process of looking for a kitchen, as someone knows very little about this it's a bit of a nightmare. We want something which will last and can repaint etc. At the moment looking at a company called kitchen stori, does anyone know anything about this company? Would appreciate any advice on what to look out for. Ta

Many thanks for all of your advice. We have again spoken to the neighbours. It looks like the rat is coming from a property which is empty. They plan to call in pest control, hopefully this will sort it out. Once again, thanks for your input, always value advice from pw members.

Hope you can help me with this one. Next door neighbour feeds birds. There is a day which continually goes across the top of hedge across our garden into next door to feed in fallen seed etc. We have spoken to neighbours who have cleared up fallen bird seed and still continue to feed birds. The rat still comes across the top of the hedge too if hedge down into their garden to feed. My problem is how to get rid of the rat, if I put bait box near side of fence, is this likely to attract the rat? ( I suspect not), I don't have an air rifle and anyway to shoot would be close to house's. I don't know what to do next, I'm worried the rat will kill/ eat chicks of blackbird who are also building best in the hedge. Any thoughts which might help, ta.

As someone who's just moved I do sympathise. It's so hard to get surveyors, building reports, searches, removals etc. With hindsight, don't think it was a good idea to move during a pandemic.

It might be my naivety, can someone explain how the NHS is planning or will cope with the second vaccination? Surely in 12 weeks or whatever time frame they will have to deal with twice the no's? The new and those returning. I can't see how the infrastructure is in place to deal with this. How are they keeping track of those who are due a second vaccine? Is there some central database? I can't see how logistically, as the second vaccine is rolled out, they will cope with this.

What I don't understand is if say you reach 2m vaccine is week, what happens in 12 weeks time when people return for 2nd vaccination? Will we be vaccinating 4m a week?

We have recently moved house, dealing with bt has been a nightmare. Numerous telephone calls, hours waiting on the phone, promised call backs never materialise. I can't believe how poor their customer care is.

Hello, looking for any information about local clay pigeon shoots in Lichfield, south staffs area. Recently moved to the area and looking for any local clubs, nothing too grand, just any small local shoots in the area, Hope you can help. Ta.

Lapwing Robin Skylark Dunnock Wren

I get fed up of people who let dog off the lead without hardly any recall. The favourite line being from owners is 'it's okay they only want to play'. Yes, lockdown, has led to more people having dogs who simply haven't got a clue.