As Jan says we'll have to agree to disagree.....the good point raised in this debate is the inconsitency of allowances between different companies.
Hubby's IP wouldn't allow us to claim to feed the cats, no hobbies or even drycleaning, which given our jobs were vital. Couldn't even claim full mileage as he thought it was too much!
Thankfully most IP's are more realistic....I hope [;)]xx
I have not read all of the thread (and as a very slight social smoker I won't because I am sure most of you non-smokers have had strong points to make!!) - but so far as I am concerned - the key to this is that everyone should be given allowance for what they actually spend within reason.
There may be no gym membership, but there are allowances for sports, hobbies and entertainments - pet food is definately allowable and so is smoking. I regularly get all three allowances accepted by creditors - so long as they are propertly justified.
We'll never all agree about it, but it's good to debate stuff on here sometimes.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I had no social allowance in my IVA, and during the short time I had the IVA work were paying £300 a year towards gym membership. When I spoke to my case worker I was told that if the £300 went into my bank account they 'may' claim it for my IVA!
I like a drink (no comments anyone who has met me please![:D]) but anything I buy comes from cutting back on other allowances.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I am not a smoker but wasn't told when I set up my IVA that things that social outings and hair cuts could be included, I was asked by the original company that were the brokers if I had pets but nothing was including on my I&E, good job the cats are good mousers:)
that is why I sitting at home today instead at a work friends very smart wedding because I could not afford the clothes, and buying drinks etc. I know my friend wouldn't have minded if I wasn't dressed as smartly as some but I mind and would have felt uncomfortable. (I also was unable to get a carer for my husband either today)
Jan
Nothing you can buy feels as good as not being in debt.
This has been a good debate and i for one have enjoyed reading it. As a smoker i enjoy the best of both worlds, i take a brisk walk to the shops (there is my excercise) and then enjoy a good puff on the way back! As for swans girl-if you don't feed those cats soon i shall have no choice but to inform animal welfare! [:D][:D][:D]
Only having a laugh SG, please don't take offence.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing - we should all put down everything we spend and let the IP tell us if we can claim or not.
We on here know what we can and cannot do - those who find us know about this, others find out too late.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Thanks Swans Girl, i like to have a laugh but it is difficult to gauge with people i have not personally met. One day i might get to meet some of you and then i can open up knowing i will not cause offence.
I never take offence....I probably offend a lot though [:D]
What you see is what you get with me [;)]
hopefully there'll be some meetings in the future that you can attend. ....I've made some fab friends on here and its great to be able to be so honest and open with each other xx
