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DIY Probate:I've just been quoted €5,000 plus VAT to sort out my uncle's €37,000 estate. I think I will be doing it myself. – John

Paying for fire brigade

This just doesn’t make any sense. I was charged for an ambulance call last year when I was on vacation in China. Four people came, a doctor, a nurse, a driver and another man to carry me. I received treatment and they finally brought me to a nearby hospital. I was charged around €35 for all that including the treatment and medicine. The point is, I don’t mind paying for the services/treatment I do need. But €1,000 for just coming to the scene even though they are not asked?

– Lai Wei

I had a chimney fire a few months back. Fire brigade came and very nicely put it out. Said nothing at all about a charge for it, but we got a bill a couple of weeks later. Mind you, it was “only” €120 or so, and they did come and put the fire out quickly and efficiently.

– Onas