I am being threatened with disconnection by the gas company for a bill not even in my name.

It was in my late husband's name. He died in 2004.

Something not right here. I suggest you get on to the customer care department of the gas company and get hold of someone who can look into this matter. If they are seeking payment for something that is more than 10 years old they may have no right to it and therefore no right to disconnect. However, if the account was never changed over after his death, that may lead to a different outcome. This also may be one where the assistance of the Citizens' Advice Bureau will take the burden off you, a bit at least. If you are an older person then also speak to Age UK (the body that was previously Age Concern and Help the Aged) tel 0800 169 6565 www.ageuk.org.uk

I have worked for a retailer for more than 15 years and have always worked over my contracted hours (38). I have now been told that I can no longer do this as I am flagging up on their working time directive report every week. I rely on this extra money every month to help me get by and have offered to sign an opt out form to state that it is me that wants to work and not the company that is making me work extra. They told me that they don't accept an opt out form. Is this possible when other work places accept the opt out forms. Please help as I am having to look for a second job.

An opt out from the Working Time Directive can only take place if both parties - employer and employee - agree, so one cant impose it on the other. However, as they have accepted this for so long, there may also be a questions of contractual entitlement on your part. With anything to do with employment law for existing workers I always recommend getting detailed specialist advice. Either start with CAB or ACAS, or go straight to an employment solicitor.

Under Scottish law what can I claim for executor expenses? I am executor of my late mother's estate and I have been cutting grass and trimming hedges to keep the property from falling into disrepair and also to keep vandals at bay, plus the use of my equipment for cutting and trimming, also travel expense to and from the property.

These are all legitimate claims, as if you were not available or willing, a firm would have had to be brought in to do all this. As long as you charge a moderate fee for your efforts, I cannot see how you can be faulted. And as long as you show clearly in the executry accounts what has been charged, the beneficiaries cannot make out you have been acting secretly or behind their backs.

I tried to take back a computer I bought for my son. The shop are charging us £50 for a diagnostic check and then will give us a quote for repair. I would have thought any repair should be free - we only bough the PC 4four months ago - but I know nothing about computers so don't want to appear an idiot.

If there is something wrong with the unit then any repair should be covered by your statutory rights to goods of satisfactory quality. If you don't fee able to insist, then speak to your local trading standards office and get them to give you detailed advice. You could pay the £50 under protest, and if it is confirmed there is a fault, seek repayment.