My husband has been offered a position in London and is expected to move there by next month! The family is very excited, but my husband is concerned about the cost of living there esp. on a single income. We have worked out all cost issues ie. taxation, contribution to NI, council taxes, general living expenses, rental, etc and it is higher than salary provided. I may have to work part-tme to supplement the income. We have 2 girls (9 and 7 yrs old) who will attend state school. Do we qualify for child tax credit (we are Malaysian on a work transfer)? Are they paid monthly or annually?
The office is currently in the WC1 area but will be moving to E14 area in mid 2005. Where would be a good and safe place for the family. What about schools for my girls. We are researching areas like Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley, Croydon. What other parts of London should be consider? NW, W areas? We've budgetted 1200K for rental only. Would that be sufficient. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
