Can somebody tell me how council tax benefit, is calculated from self employed accounts. I recently tendered my accounts to my local council, and was sent an assessment which doesn't seem to match up to my figures, I have appealed, and asked for a breakdown of their figures, but what do I do if they remain steadfast. I believed that they would base the benefit on my net profit, but the person I spoke to, said there was percentage of my expenses not allowed. The person I spoke to said she had no more information. Regards Paul.

I gave notice to cancel my Sky package after 11 years, on the 12th of September, the man whom I spoke to, said that I had to pay the September direct debit, which would go out of my account on the 15th, and I could continue watching Sky up until the 13th of October, to which I agreed. I told him that I would cancel the direct debit after the 15th, and he said fine. I have just received a letter from Sky, saying that there may be some more charges, and that I should reinstate the direct debit, as any paper correspondence will carry an administration fee of £4.00. Should I ignore this?

I don't know if this may strengthen your resolve, but I had a charge put on my credit card statement, which is with Lloyds TSB, for a late payment, according to them. I always pay off the debt within the month, so I was sure they had made a mistake, I checked my previous statements, and sure enough I was right. I phoned Lloyds, and after waiting for ages and getting passed to various people, I was put on hold. I hung up and decided to write a letter. In it I explained their mistake and that because I had taken time from work [i am self employed] to write the letter, I would charge them £10.00 for the inconvenience, and any other correspondence would be charged. I received a reply quite quickly, with an apology saying that the mistake was theirs, and that a refund would be made, and they would also pay my bill of £10.00. Paul.

In 1995, I had a mortgage through the TSB bank, and Cheltenham and Gloucester building society, with the mortgage I paid an additional sum which I was told would pay the mortgage, in the event of illness or for other reasons if I could not work, I was self employed at the time. The mortgage finished in about 2006. My question is, was the payment a PPI, and should I have had to pay it. If not could I claim a refund. I did write to Lloyds TSB, as it is now, a couple of years ago, and there reply was, I had no case for a refund, and that what I was paying for did cover all eventualities. I still have some paper work relating to the mortgage, and I would welcome any advice. Regards Paul.