To those reading this thread please note that both Akenaton and Ivor have both ducked the question, although in his defence I must state that Ivor has referred to it and stated that he will deal with it later. We'll see if "deal with" actaully means answer.

Sorry Ake, don't know exactly how many times I have to state this on this Forum, but for one more time, I have never served in any Army, so, so much for my army back-ground referred to in your post.

Counter to what you believe, it is normally those on the left-wing of politics that are readiest to "fight" for what they believe in, or want, or demand.

"Teribus cites "house repairs" as a large item in his personal budget.
Now that is a bit of double speak if ever I heard one!

I'm in the building trade and have seen many operations fall under the heading of house repairs.
New Conservatories....kitchens...bathrooms...dormer windows...extensions...etc" - Akenaton - the builder.

Where do "drain repairs" come in that list Akenaton - frippery, luxury, or essential. Unfortunately my property is up the top end of the run, there is actually nothing wrong with the drains at my end, but because they are "common use" I have to pay my part of any repairs downstream, that is the law. Why the drains have been damaged downstream - other people putting up extensions, additional off road parking, etc. Doesn't matter a jot that they should have considered the consequences of that work before it was carried out, I still had to pay.

How does that fit in with your; "I've seen them all trying to justify what they do to their houses as neccesary repairs when its really to increase the resale value, or keep up with the Jones's. Throwing out perfectly funtional items because they think them unfashionable, or may affect the sale price."

I'd be interested in hearing from you on that but I don't think that you will bother as it would entail you admitting that:

1. Drain repairs are essentials
2. Drain repairs do not increase the resale value of the property
3. Drain repairs have got nothing to do with keeping up with the Joneses.
4. The list indicating how you spent your money over the past 12 months will not be made although I expect that if Akenaton did go through the exercise his list would look remarkably like mine as far as column population went, which would put some rather significant holes in some of his contentions detailed in this thread.