It seems that last week's car insurance fines delivered as a fait accompli have upset either;
- rather too many people - or
- people who are rather too important
We now have until 14th July to insure our cars.

Whilst this may sound like rather a long stay of execution, there are a huge number of other bills and taxes to be paid before the end of this month. Old-style National Insurance used to be paid in arrears every six months, so 2016 B is now due, but new-style National Insurance is now paid in arrears every month and so May 2017 is also due. End of second quarter VAT bills must be paid as well as utility bills (some of which have had interesting categories added that I have not yet got to the bottom of) and lastly, accountants' fees because the 2016 tax returns must be submitted by Friday. This month we are lighter to the tune of 1,300€ in business and utility bills alone, which is round about our normal monthly cost of living without such bills. It isn't difficult to see why some see no benefit to being in business.

As I was taking this, a young man leaping down the steps stopped courteously to remain out of shot. How considerate!