what can I do with 23pounds in the UK?

[twilight3]

Hi all, I've just posted this on "lone parents" but thought that this section might be better for it.

I live in germany to keep DS near ex-partner, XP couldn't give a toss about DS and it has become apparent in the last 3 years (since break-up) so I have decided to move back to the UK, it's not like DS will se any less of his dad than he does now due to the move.

I have lived abroad for over 10 years and have no idea what prices are like nowadays in the UK. XP is paying maintenance in euros which turns out to be $23 a week (pounds that is). I more or less know what I'm entitled to until I get a job, will live with my mum (two spare bedrooms) she has paid off her mortgage and isn't asking for rent, just to split the bills.

DS is 5, what does life with a kid cost in the UK?

To be more precise I'd like to know what the basics for a child cost, like clothes/uniform (assuming I'd be buying from Asda etc), food, activities etc.

Thank you all in advance

46 gingerbread men.

Our weekly shop for a family of 2 adults and one 3 year old is around £50 at the very most.

hahaha, thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Is this only food or cleaning products etc.?

Why is your ex paying so little? I work that out at ?27 a week, so just over ?100 a month maintenance.

Has this been worked out by a Rechtsanwalt?

I assume you will apply for family allowance in UK? Or will you continue to get Kindergeld?

It's what he offered and I have a well paid job here so I agreed to it to avoid hassle. But I don't know what I'll do re work in the UK

family allowance. Have been paying voluntary NI and I'm entitled to benefits (right?).

Do you live in germany or the UK. What can you tell me about the cost of a school child in the UK?

He is royally taking the piss. As far as I could see, (very quick google, not an expert on this) he should be paying much more.

Have a look <a class="break-all" href="http://www.internetratgeber-recht.de/Familienrecht/frameset.htm?www.internetratgeber-recht.de/Familienrecht/Unterhalt/unterhalt_5.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here

Even if he is on a low wage, he should be paying ?317.

Do you speak German?

I live in Switzerland, but was in Germany for 16 years before moving here.

No idea about the UK side of things, but don't think you will get far on £23 a week.

Are you receiving Kindergeld at the moment?

The table I linked to is not binding - but it does give you an idea what he should be paying.

I find the cost of food and clothes cheaper in UK, (I live in Belgium), but kids shoes are expensive. That said, Tesco and M&S are good for clothes that don't cost a bomb, or you could stock up at C&A before you go back.

£50 includes everything. Just food is around £35-£40 but we shop very frugally and grow a lot of veg. We don't drink either so no alcohol costs. £23 sounds woefully low tbh.

You can also start claiming child benefit as soon as you move back to the UK. I think it is about £20 a week for your first child, and it is not means-tested or taxable. I don't think it even matters whether your DS has a British passport. My two DCs were born overseas (though they are British), and I claimed for them as soon as we got back. Useful government web page here.

It's not a huge amount of money, but it may be a help.

PS Just saw reference to family allowance above - that is what is now called child benefit, and it doesn't matter whether you have been paying NI (I hadn't while abroad).

Thanks everyobody, I have a better idea of costs now, it should all be ok...

Hi it sounds to me like you made the rigt decision to move.

You would be surprised what you could get with £23 the whole uniform shoes inc in asda or tesco, and you would only have to buy this once, you can buy an outfit trousers and top for approx £8 also.