the woes of england

[Guest tim_the_taf]

Just got back from a hol to the UK. We're going back home at Christmas, Perth's too expensive. BUT anyone thinking of going back; gas and electricity prices are soaring, food prices have risen like crazy, beer is well over £3 a pint, the M25 is still there, Gordon Brown is still PM, diesel is £1.35/ litre and house prices are plummeting. The good things - 2nd hand cars have also plummeted in value (good for us returning), beer is still better and cheaper than here, and houses are cheaper than Perth. The weather's still crap though. Anyone want to buy a 4 bed house worth of furniture, all only 9 months old ????:smile:

[Guest taffy 62]

Hi may I ask where abouts your heading back too, and is it cause you dont like Oz.

I cant believe beer that expensive blimey!!!!

[Guest tim_the_taf]

moving back to surrey because we had a better lifestyle over there. Like Perth, but its really pricey these days (been back and to to Perth for nearly 20 years), nothing to do in the winter, difficult to find anywhere decent to live, and despite the boom, have found it difficult to get work here (there's an old boys network and unless you're part of it, forget it). Also not impressed with the kids' school, which is supposed to be one of the best in WA. Overall, despite the weather and being close to the beach, which is great, we had more money in our pockets and could do more back home.

[Guest taffy 62]

Oh ok Fair enough.

Its like Brisbane, we just moved here in January, Financially we thought we would be better off but cause the house prices are so expensive the extra we earn would get eaten up in mortgage repayments, so in the end we are worse off as we havnt got as good lifestyle as what we had in Victoria. So we are moving back in September to socialise with our friends again and have a better house for less money.

We have been soooooo bored in Brisbane, theres nothing to do, and the people are to laid back for me, they need a bomb up their a---:biglaugh: no offence to others intended, I personaly find it frustrating. and need to be some where with a bit more get up and go.

Good luck to you anyway sounds like you know what your doing:smile:

[Guest tim_the_taf]

know what you mean, although if you found Brisie laid back you'd find Perth horizontal, which is a big problem business wise. Meetings happen in months not days. I'm told that Adelaide is the best value for money property at the moment but has started rising. Good luck with the move back to Vic. I'd like to stay here for another year or so yet, but can't have everything can you ? So its back to Blighty for us at Christmas, just in time for winter. Hows that for crap timing ?

[Quoll]

Energy costs are higher in UK at the moment for sure but it wont be long before Rudd causes Aussie energy prices to go through the roof. I am home at the moment and have been surprised by some things which are comparatively cheaper - fresh fruit and veg at the moment are cheaper and excellent quality as well. Eating out - value for money, quality and quantity seems better here too and I am surprised by that. Coffee - about the same (dont drink beer so cant compare) but the quality still has a looooong way to go!. I actually thought it would be worse than it is here given all the whinging that goes on from Poms wishing to escape. Of course, the relative value of the dollar at the moment is helping!

 

Good luck with your move back!

[Guest tim_the_taf]

Its a lot worse than it was a year ago when we moved over here, but you're right, some things are still better than in Oz. The choice of goods, food, etc. is an eye opener after being in Perth for a while. And its great to get non-Aussie wine for a change. As good as Aussie wine is, I miss having the choice of wine from pretty much anywhere in the world. Coffee ? Well, I'm not a great coffee drinker, but unless you're going to pay a fortune at Starbucks or Costa Lotta, it can be pretty grim and not a Machiato in sight. You picked the right time to be there though, we left on the 21st, the day before summer started !

[Guest cantwait]

The good things - 2nd hand cars have also plummeted in value (good for us returning), :smile:

 

 

Hi Tim

 

Cars are selling for less money because soon the car tax is increasing in price. For example, I have a people carrier and my car tax for a year is going up to £450 !!!!! This price increase is typical for 'family' type cars so yet again this governemnt is hitting normal families. This tax hike is reflecting in the selling price of the cars.

 

Karen

[Guest cobblers]

know what you mean, although if you found Brisie laid back you'd find Perth horizontal, which is a big problem business wise. Meetings happen in months not days. I'm told that Adelaide is the best value for money property at the moment but has started rising. Good luck with the move back to Vic. I'd like to stay here for another year or so yet, but can't have everything can you ? So its back to Blighty for us at Christmas, just in time for winter. Hows that for crap timing ?

 

For god's sake don't come to Adelaide! House prices are comparetively cheaper, but still high and my life, is it boring?! (as the Lightning Seeds once sang 'feels like I'm living in a town closed down for winter'!)

 

We're looking at going back to UK next year, not only for personal reasons (missing family and friends, schooling for our daughter, a decent social life!) but also even with the money we made on our house (fortunate to get out in time) on just OH's wage we would really struggle to buy anything decent (and I certainly didn't come all this way to live in something I don't like!). I'm struggling to look for work as I don't drive (a real must over here) I'm constrained by school hours and as we are still on a temp work visa, some types of positions won't entertain me (ie: banks, government) with the type of work I've always done, this is proving really tricky. As my last job in UK was in a bank, it's something I could get straight back into (probably even get my old job back) and I only went to work in the UK for the 'extras' in life. I've never been so consious of looking at the price of things or worrying if we can afford a take away before. We had a comfortable life with plenty of holidays and lots of new shoes!!!!

 

We've pretty much made the decision to return, but are going to give ourselves a nice hot Aussie summer first.

 

Oh blimey, I've rambled on again (probably because I can always afford the wine!) :cute:

[Guest Graham&kym]

Sounds like the Ozzie dream is over, and although up to 500 Brits a WEEK arrive in Oz, I think it is true...

[Guest moonraker1961]

I think Oz has had its prime time,but I also believe that the UK will come out in front in a few years if not sooner.Things usually go full circle.

[thewebweazel]

Hi Tim

 

Cars are selling for less money because soon the car tax is increasing in price. For example, I have a people carrier and my car tax for a year is going up to £450 !!!!! This price increase is typical for 'family' type cars so yet again this governemnt is hitting normal families. This tax hike is reflecting in the selling price of the cars.

 

Karen

 

Where did you get your info from, I ve checked the BBC News website and as you can see from below only vehicles above Band G will be affected, It looks like I will actually pay less tax if I stay in the UK that long! Or have I got it all wrong!!!!!!!!!!

 

IMPACT ON ALL CARS

 

How many cars in each tax band will pay less, same or more tax?

 

Band C02 (g/km) Paying less tax Paying same tax Paying more tax

A Up to 100 ------------------------------------ 100% ----------------------------

B 101-110 ----------------100% ---------------------------------------------------

C 111-120 -----------------20%-----------------80%------------------------------

D 121-130 ----------------100%----------------------------------------------------

E 131-140 ----------------100%----------------------------------------------------

F 141-150 ---------------------------------------100%-----------------------------

G 151-160 ---------------------------------------100%-----------------------------

H 161-170 ----------------------------------------40%-----------------60%-------

I 171-180 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

J 181-200 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

K 201-225 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

L 226-255 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

M Over 255 -------------------------------------------------------------100%-------

All bands -------------------18%-----------------39%------------------43%--------

Figures apply 2010-11 onwards

Source: House of Commons

[Guest cantwait]

Where did you get your info from, I ve checked the BBC News website and as you can see from below only vehicles above Band G will be affected, It looks like I will actually pay less tax if I stay in the UK that long! Or have I got it all wrong!!!!!!!!!!

 

IMPACT ON ALL CARS

 

How many cars in each tax band will pay less, same or more tax?

 

Band C02 (g/km) Paying less tax Paying same tax Paying more tax

A Up to 100 ------------------------------------ 100% ----------------------------

B 101-110 ----------------100% ---------------------------------------------------

C 111-120 -----------------20%-----------------80%------------------------------

D 121-130 ----------------100%----------------------------------------------------

E 131-140 ----------------100%----------------------------------------------------

F 141-150 ---------------------------------------100%-----------------------------

G 151-160 ---------------------------------------100%-----------------------------

H 161-170 ----------------------------------------40%-----------------60%-------

I 171-180 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

J 181-200 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

K 201-225 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

L 226-255 ---------------------------------------------------------------100%------

M Over 255 -------------------------------------------------------------100%-------

All bands -------------------18%-----------------39%------------------43%--------

Figures apply 2010-11 onwards

Source: House of Commons

 

 

 

 

I got my info from sky news - they actually used my make and model of car as an example of one of the badly affected cars in the price change.

[Guest cantwait]

Road tax increase will hit ordinary families

 

By Bob Roberts Political Editor 27/05/2008

Tax disc (Pic:Rex)

 

Mondeo man may be hit. Millions might be hit

Gordon Brown was last night facing a growing rebellion over soaring motoring taxes which will hit hard-working families.

More than 30 Labour MPs have broken ranks to demand a U-turn on road duty rises.

From next April drivers of family cars such as the Ford Galaxy, Zafira and Renault Espace will see their road tax increase to £455 by 2010 - a rise of up to £245.

It applies to all cars bought between 2001 and 2006 classed as the most polluting.

Ministerial aide Rob Marris said: "Mondeo man may be hit. Millions might be hit."

And fellow Labour MP Ronnie Campbell weighed in saying: "It is unfair on people who bought cars a few years ago not knowing the Government were going to put this road tax on.

"When people get their road tax letter and find they've got an extra £200 to pay - well, I don't have to say any more, do I? The motorist is taking the brunt again."

The rebellion came as a convoy of up to 1,000 truckers headed for the capital in a protest at diesel prices.

The demonstration could bring central London to a standstill in an echo of the 2000 fuel protests.

The vehicle duty changes aim to deter people from buying polluting vehicles. Drivers of the greenest cars pay nothing.

But Labour backbenchers warned it could cause an even bigger row than scrapping the 10p tax band. More than 30 have signed a Commons motion urging ministers to rethink. Environment Minister Joan Cruddock said the Government could not simply drop its green taxes agenda. She added: "This is the future of the planet."

But Mr Marris said: "It's not about changing future behaviour because these cars already exist. It is retrospective taxation.

"I back green taxes to change people's decisions when they are buying a car but to tax them heavily on a car bought seven years ago doesn't seem a good way to go."

Mr Campbell, who tabled the motion, also called on Chancellor Alistair Darling to drop the 2p rise in fuel tax planned for October.

He said with rising oil costs pushing up pump prices, another increase would be too much for many families. He added: "People can't afford it. They are really feeling the pinch."

In London the convoy of truckers aimed to block the main A40 into West London from 10am to 3pm.

They will deliver a letter urging Mr Brown to give them a rebate on fuel tax.

They say it is essential if they are to stay in business.

Truckers are angry at soaring prices which have seen the average cost of diesel go past the 120p-a-litre mark. They say it is unfair when foreign hauliers come here with cheaper fuel bought abroad. Kent-based trucker Peter Knight said: "If the Prime Minister doesn't listen the Government will lose out. UK hauliers pay enormous amounts of tax to the Exchequer - employment tax, road tax and fuel duty.

"If we are wiped out the work will be done by foreign hauliers who pay nothing to the UK in tax. It is madness."

Motoring facts

112.6p average cost of a litre of unleaded

95.9p what it cost this time last year

124.2p average cost of a litre of diesel

96.8p what it cost this time last year

Gordon Brown's decision to increase road tax prices hasn't only angered a lot of people - it's confused them too!

[Guest earlswood]

Just got back from a hol to the UK. We're going back home at Christmas, Perth's too expensive. BUT anyone thinking of going back;

 

gas and electricity prices are soaring

Get a multi fuel log burner with back boiler then contact all your tree surgeons in your area who will drop off wood at your house for nothing as they have to pay to dump it at land fill sites, they will even bring you a bottle of whisky at xmas for taking it.

Done it for years in the Cotswolds.

 

 

, food prices have risen like crazy, beer is well over £3 a pint, the M25 is still there,

Find your local Witherspoons...no music...cheap food and beer at less than £1.50 a pint....sorted.

 

 

Gordon Brown is still PM, diesel is £1.35/ litre and house prices are plummeting.

Not for long, if you are coming back house price falls are a good thing.

 

 

The good things - 2nd hand cars have also plummeted in value (good for us returning), beer is still better and cheaper than here, and houses are cheaper than Perth. The weather's still crap though. Anyone want to buy a 4 bed house worth of furniture, all only 9 months old ???

No thanks.:biglaugh:

[Guest earlswood]

Hi Tim

 

Cars are selling for less money because soon the car tax is increasing in price. For example, I have a people carrier and my car tax for a year is going up to £450 !!!!! This price increase is typical for 'family' type cars so yet again this governemnt is hitting normal families. This tax hike is reflecting in the selling price of the cars.

 

Karen

Not for smaller cars though, some have no tax atall, my mom is paying £30 a year and next year t goes to nought.

One of the cheapest and smallest, the three-door Citroen C1, can be bought new from about £6,400. It does about 61 miles per gallon, and costs £20 a year tax due to its very low CO2 emissions the tax will drop to zero next year.

 

It is also the cheapest to insure, as it is in group one. A new 1.3 diesel Fiat Panda costs just £7,400 and will do close to 76 miles per gallon, with £20 a year in road tax. "If a car's in a low band for road tax purposes it will be fuel-efficient as well, with low CO2 emissions," Mr Howard said.

"It pays to know your stuff before buying a car – as you can even get cars that are in more than one band, such as the Ford Galaxy, which is in band E, F and G, as it depends on the exact specifications. This information will be on the registration document."

The days of the "Chelsea Tractor" are gone.

[Guest cantwait]

Not for smaller cars though, some have no tax atall, my mom is paying £30 a year and next year t goes to nought.

One of the cheapest and smallest, the three-door Citroen C1, can be bought new from about £6,400. It does about 61 miles per gallon, and costs £20 a year tax due to its very low CO2 emissions the tax will drop to zero next year.

 

quote]

 

 

You've obviously never tried fitting shopping, kids, and all the crap that goes with them into a tiny car!!!!

[Guest cantwait]

Just got back from a hol to the UK. We're going back home at Christmas, Perth's too expensive. BUT anyone thinking of going back;

 

gas and electricity prices are soaring

Get a multi fuel log burner with back boiler then contact all your tree surgeons in your area who will drop off wood at your house for nothing as they have to pay to dump it at land fill sites, they will even bring you a bottle of whisky at xmas for taking it.

Done it for years in the Cotswolds.

 

 

, food prices have risen like crazy, beer is well over £3 a pint, the M25 is still there,

Find your local Witherspoons...no music...cheap food and beer at less than £1.50 a pint....sorted.

 

 

Gordon Brown is still PM, diesel is £1.35/ litre and house prices are plummeting.

Not for long, if you are coming back house price falls are a good thing.

 

 

The good things - 2nd hand cars have also plummeted in value (good for us returning), beer is still better and cheaper than here, and houses are cheaper than Perth. The weather's still crap though. Anyone want to buy a 4 bed house worth of furniture, all only 9 months old ???

No thanks.:biglaugh:

 

 

 

I find it incredible that you can put such a positive spin on all this crap!!!!!:daydreaming:

[Guest Pinhead]

Not for smaller cars though, some have no tax atall, my mom is paying £30 a year and next year t goes to nought.

One of the cheapest and smallest, the three-door Citroen C1, can be bought new from about £6,400. It does about 61 miles per gallon, and costs £20 a year tax due to its very low CO2 emissions the tax will drop to zero next year.

 

It is also the cheapest to insure, as it is in group one. A new 1.3 diesel Fiat Panda costs just £7,400 and will do close to 76 miles per gallon, with £20 a year in road tax. "If a car's in a low band for road tax purposes it will be fuel-efficient as well, with low CO2 emissions," Mr Howard said.

"It pays to know your stuff before buying a car – as you can even get cars that are in more than one band, such as the Ford Galaxy, which is in band E, F and G, as it depends on the exact specifications. This information will be on the registration document."

The days of the "Chelsea Tractor" are gone.

 

Trying taking a family of 5 on holiday in a Citroen C1 or a Fiat Panda!!

As usual the Labour government's heavy handed measures penalise families & the middle classes the worst. No wonder the're getting crucified in the polls.

[TheBrammies]

i have three children 8,4,4 all by law need car seats now you find me a small car where you can get all 3 seats in the back ?

also if you divide the emissions by how many people travel in the car i bet my 2litre jetta gives out alot less emissions than a small car per person this is a tax on buisness and any family with more than 2 children

ps you could always try claiming family tax credits that would really test your patients when you call them you have to go through everything again just for them to get it wrong.

[Que Sera Sera]

Hi Tim

 

Cars are selling for less money because soon the car tax is increasing in price. For example, I have a people carrier and my car tax for a year is going up to £450 !!!!! This price increase is typical for 'family' type cars so yet again this governemnt is hitting normal families. This tax hike is reflecting in the selling price of the cars.

 

Karen

 

Its so wrong isnt it We sold our Ford Galaxy and bought an older Saab convertable and it will be half the road tax of the Galaxy thats just stupid like you quite rightly said its penalising people who are struggling already.:sad: We only have 2 kids at home so didnt need the people carrier anymore and are actually saving by getting the convertable which is definatly not as Green.

[Guest Pinhead]

I find it incredible that you can put such a positive spin on all this crap!!!!!:daydreaming:

 

Very true. If everyone followed Earlswood example of wood burning heaters it would be an environmental disaster with the amount of soot and airbourne particles produced. There is no cheap way to heat your home in the UK that is environmentally sound and sustainable unless you can grow your on biofuel in your own fields!

 

Pints of beer are no longer £1.50 in Wetherspoons, shows how out of touch he is!

Besides who wants to drink warm ale anyway?

[Guest P.Ross]

Just got back from a hol to the UK. We're going back home at Christmas, Perth's too expensive. BUT anyone thinking of going back;

 

gas and electricity prices are soaring

Get a multi fuel log burner with back boiler then contact all your tree surgeons in your area who will drop off wood at your house for nothing as they have to pay to dump it at land fill sites, they will even bring you a bottle of whisky at xmas for taking it.

Done it for years in the Cotswolds.

 

 

, food prices have risen like crazy, beer is well over £3 a pint, the M25 is still there,

Find your local Witherspoons...no music...cheap food and beer at less than £1.50 a pint....sorted.

 

 

Gordon Brown is still PM, diesel is £1.35/ litre and house prices are plummeting.

Not for long, if you are coming back house price falls are a good thing.

 

 

The good things - 2nd hand cars have also plummeted in value (good for us returning), beer is still better and cheaper than here, and houses are cheaper than Perth. The weather's still crap though. Anyone want to buy a 4 bed house worth of furniture, all only 9 months old ???

No thanks.:biglaugh:

 

 

 

Why don't you go the whole hog and move us all back to he 1940's !!!!!!!

 

We could abolish cars altogether, cook by gas light, and walk to the well to fetch our water.

 

WHAT ARE YOU ON?

[Guest moonraker1961]

Hey thats not a bad idea P.Ross lol I'd be up for that !!! Our Witherspoons sell real ale for £1.59 which we think is quite cheap!

[Que Sera Sera]

Not for smaller cars though, some have no tax atall, my mom is paying £30 a year and next year t goes to nought.

One of the cheapest and smallest, the three-door Citroen C1, can be bought new from about £6,400. It does about 61 miles per gallon, and costs £20 a year tax due to its very low CO2 emissions the tax will drop to zero next year.

 

It is also the cheapest to insure, as it is in group one. A new 1.3 diesel Fiat Panda costs just £7,400 and will do close to 76 miles per gallon, with £20 a year in road tax. "If a car's in a low band for road tax purposes it will be fuel-efficient as well, with low CO2 emissions," Mr Howard said.

"It pays to know your stuff before buying a car – as you can even get cars that are in more than one band, such as the Ford Galaxy, which is in band E, F and G, as it depends on the exact specifications. This information will be on the registration document."

The days of the "Chelsea Tractor" are gone.

 

Brill my Husband is 6'2" and I am 5'8" we have 2 kids and a dog! tin can springs to mind!