1) Just wanted to update after receiving advice on above. Plasteter
arrived
a skimmed all walls as planned (paid for by local authority). While he was
on site I took the opportunity to ask him if he wanted to 'do' the ceiling
(see photo link above). He agreed to strap & sheet then skim - £60
materials
£80 labour.

What materials is he using!? I bought a bag of plaster tonight for just over
3 quid, and plasterboard is only a few quid a sheet isnt it?