Another downside to lockdown.....

[Beaniebeemer]

I’ve just submitted my gas and electricity meter readings. My electricity consumption has sky rocketed with us being at home over the last couple of months. Usually our consumption would be dropping now we are in to the summer months 😢 doesn’t help our work situation is none too good right now either. I’m behind by nearly £400 😢

This is why some companies are so up for the "new normal" - it allows them.to pass costs on to their employees.

You're right that utilities are higher, but the flip side is that we have saved a lot on commuting costs (petrol for me, station parking and train fare for DH). Unless your commute is short and cheap?

My DH gets lots of benefits from his company so when he first said he was going to find out if a portion of our electricity bills on his expenses I though he was being a bit grabby. But now it’s been nearly 3 months and I can see how our bills are Sky rocketing I’m not so sure!

You used to be able to claim home office expenses against tax.

The other option is to do a S198 claim for the expenses. It's for mandatory expenses that your employer doesn't/won't cover.

Think
Heating/light
Phone
Elec
Additional cost of coffee
Stationery
etc

I think you can claim £6 a week tax relief when working from home - you'll need to submit a tax return next year and tax code will be adjusted accordingly.

Mine has sky rocketed to.. I was breaking even at the end of Jan.. Now im £500 behind

I’m a key worker so I’ve been out of the house working. It’s the kids and OH being at home which isn’t helping. No one is working at home in this house. The dishwasher is on constantly as is the washing machine 🤦🏼‍♀️