Fantastic write-up. I was gripped!

I used to work with somebody on a long-term contract in Glasgow. He opted to forgo hotel and restaurant expenses (we worked at a large tech consultancy) for a per-night cash credit (I can't remember if it was £30 or £60) and lived out of his camper van. I still don't know how he did it.

I concur; this matches the salary bands offered by my employer in the Midlands.