The Q&A thread

[Gandalf the Red]

The festival may (just about) still be independent, but that Facebook page certainly isn't. Made to look like a fan page, but has people employed by the festival running it.

[Nantha]

Does anyone know anything about housing benefit and who is entitled to it?
Essentially I'm going to have to move to London to work, but I'm self-employed and don't make that much money atm, so rent is a real issue. Any advice would be awesome

[Jim]

You can get housing benefit if you're self employed, but you need a certificate of earnings of some sort - check the website of the authority you're planning to move into - Nicky might be able to give more accurate help here...

[Nantha]

You can get housing benefit if you're self employed, but you need a certificate of earnings of some sort - check the website of the authority you're planning to move into - Nicky might be able to give more accurate help here...

Cheers, I don't really have an area in mind though. I mean, I couldn't just start renting an expensive flat in Chelsea and claim housing benefit could I? There must be rules of some sort...

[JamieH]

You can get housing benefit if you're self employed, but you need a certificate of earnings of some sort - check the website of the authority you're planning to move into - Nicky might be able to give more accurate help here...

Cheers, I don't really have an area in mind though. I mean, I couldn't just start renting an expensive flat in Chelsea and claim housing benefit could I? There must be rules of some sort...

I'm not sure if there is a difference between the mainland and here in regards to housing benefit, but as far as I was aware the most they'd give you was around £200 a month. I could be wrong / things have changed since I was on housing benefits a few years ago.

Probably should look into it again though. The lease on this house ends at the end of next month and Mum has pretty much moved in with her new bloke, so I need to find somewhere pretty soon.

[ScrumpiesVeteran]

Most local authorities have a "cap" for rent, irrespective of whether the rental is Local Authority or private landlord.

Therefore, if you are entitled to full payment of your rent in Leeds, the council cap (or limit) the sum you are entitled to, to a maximum of £500.00 per calendar month. If you are working and claiming tax credits this would be pro-rata, based on your earnings.

ie. A mate of mine privately rents at £600 per month. As the cap is £500, he has to find the remaining £100 towards the rent, even if he's not working, or a higher proportion based on earnings, when he is.

I assume this would be substantially higher in London but would vary between authorities.

Hope it helps

[Gandalf the Red]

I believe it's age related now as well. If you are under a certain age (25?) then you will get less.

[Nantha]

What is the difference between normal petrol and the super unleaded premium one? Is it worth getting that one or is it only for super cars?

[JamieH]

What is the difference between normal petrol and the super unleaded premium one? Is it worth getting that one or is it only for super cars?

As far as I remember from working in the petrol station, it won't make any real difference unless your cars engine is designed to take super unleaded, though it won't do any harm to a normal engine it just doesn't make sense money wise unless you have a fancy car. Though I could be wrong.

[Tet]

What is the difference between normal petrol and the super unleaded premium one? Is it worth getting that one or is it only for super cars?

Don't waste your money. The difference is a higher octane rating[1], which allows the engine to run with more advance without pinking. That in turn can lead to more power. If you're not running with more advance, you're throwing away most of the benefits. It can lead to improved fuel efficiency, but not enough to offset the extra cost. Stick to standard unleaded 95.

[1] Plus some minor differences in additives to keep the fuel path clean (carbs, injectors, valves, etc), but not enough for the average person to care about.

[Nantha]

cool cheers just wondered

[Jim]

Mine is designed for premium, but because of the price difference between premium and regular I only see a tiny improvement in price per mile.

[thehairyone]

Aye, same with mine. It runs ever so slightly better on premium, but not enough to justify putting it in all the time.

[Fjar]

What's the rule for parking at train stations overnight?

[VirginInvader]

What's the rule for parking at train stations overnight?

Which station? If it's a Network Rail, Transpennine or GTR station I can probably help.