I am being threatened with disconnection by the gas company for a bill not even in my name. It was in my late wife’s name. She died in 2005.

Something is 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 her death, that may lead to a different outcome. A chat with Citizens’ Advice Bureau will take the burden off you. If you are an older person then also speak to Age UK on telephone 0800 169 6565 www.ageuk.org.uk.

I have worked for a retailer for 15 years and always worked beyond my 38 hours.I have now been told that I can no longer do this as I am flagging up on their weekly working time directive report. I rely on this extra money to help me get by and have offered to sign an opt out form that it is me that wants to work and not the company. They don’t accept opt out. Is this possible when other work places accept it?

An opt out from the Working Time Directive can only take place if both parties – employer and employee – agree, so one can't impose it on the other. However, as they have accepted this for so long, there may also be a question of contractual entitlement. With anything to do with employment law for existing workers I always recommend getting specialist advice. Either start with CAB or ACAS, or go straight to an employment solicitor.

I am executor of my late mother’s estate. 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. What can I claim?

These are all legitimate, 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 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 four 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.