Sorry for delay PottyPrincess, I'm sure you're not potty though. Yes I was accused, like you, of drawing benefit when working but at the time the word was just a few hours a week. I also worked in the EU unofficially. I was so angry because, I wasn't doing anything wrong but the person who I spoke to was like one-eyes, you know, can't see anything but what she thought she knew. After I went to the MP and the paper, it was dropped within a week. I told them they were clearly working on inaccurate information and refused to consider this. I then said that I would no longer try to give this information to them, as I had tried already without success, and it was refused but I would (and have) provided this to my MP and the newspaper. I did not give my MP's name nor the newspaper name. I got a letter (very standoffish and unfriendly) saying the matter is now dropped and no interview will be required. My benefit however has stopped. One person who helped me sort it out works for a lettings agency consultancy, who provide lots of services to help both agents and landlords, anyway they are on the side of tenants too. I was renting. Hope you get somewhere. Zanderland

Hello and my sympathies. I had a similar situation not so long ago but I was not as peaceful as you about it. I went to my MP and got him to support me and I then went to the DSW and complained loudly, first at the front desk, then to the 'manager' they offered to talk to me. I recorded the conversation and then went directly to our local newspaper and gave them the tape machine. The newspaper contacted the DSW saying they were thinking of writing an article but it was dropped. Instantly. I told the newspaper my MP was involved and he was. Whether he'd actually do anything I don't kn ow. This shows they knew they were wrong and wanted to hide like quickly. You have done everything in an honest and forthright manner and the government must be made to act correctly and admit fault when wrong. They are supposed to serve us not pressure from above to get convictions, willy nilly. Never forget most of the employees are without good education and almost no worthwhile training. Any help wanted from you, by me = welcome.

Hi, as an experience lettings agency guy, I can say GOING ON WHAT YOU SAY, you need to pay up. It all comes down to the fact whether it was included in the tenancy agreement, or not. You say it was. So you agreed in law. There is no right or wrong - both sides can say almost anything - what counts is the tenancy agreement you agreed to. I offer any free advice you may want, just make me a friend. Cheers. Zanderland

Hello Rita777, Is 7 your favourite number by any chance? (Mine's 2) I live in the valleys not far from Cardiff and have a terrace house. One day I was hopping into my car, parked outside my home when I noticed, a brochure about a real estate firm, wanting more properties, it was stuck under my wiper. Of course I felt a bit ****ed off, took it inside the car and turned the key . . then i looked at my house and there was a plastic corrigated sign about their company, nailed to my wall, on my house. Then I saw another sign on a neighbour's house across the road. I ripped mine off so fast that I pulled out the staples and some brick parts came out too. My neighbour and I went to the real estate firm and started complaining (well yelling really) and this guy started trying to get us to list our houses or act as an agent or something. In the end we told him he has a choice; 1 to fix my wall and apologise to use both, or 2. get taken to the small claims court for damages. What else can we do? Zanderland PS we have now seen his signs on other houses, don't know with permission or not. (Help!)