UK Standard Visitor Visa (Business Route) - Financial Question

Hi all,

For context, I hold an Indonesian passport, but I reside and work in Australia. I am currently applying for Standard Visitor Visa (Business Route) from Australia.

I'll be visiting the UK (Manchester) for 8 days: 4 days for work and 4 days personal. My employer is covering return flights and the first 4 days of accommodation/food (small note: I need to pay for food upfront and then get reimbursed later). I’ll cover the remaining 4 days myself.

As my trip is in October, I need to finalise my visa application soon, but I'm stuck on this question: "What is the total amount of money you spend each month?”

Finances (converted to pound sterling for convenience):

• Income: ~£3,600/month (paid fortnightly) after tax.
• My own monthly outgoings: ~£2,350/month.
• I also regularly send whatever is left, typically ~£1,250/month to my mum (she’s not my legal dependant).
• Current balance: £2,070 in my bank account as of today (I just received my fortnightly pay today).

So, if I include the £1,250 I send to my mum, my “spend” is basically my full income (~£3,600), which makes my application look very weak. I’ve already told my mum I won’t be sending money this month/next, so I can use the £1,250 for the trip. That should be enough for my 4 personal days, but my balance right now isn’t great.

Questions:

1. For that question, should I report only my personal living costs (£2,350) or include the transfers to my mum as “spend”?
2. If inclusion is expected, is it acceptable to explain the context in a cover letter and show payslips + employer letter covering flights/4 nights, plus evidence I’m saving for the remaining days? Will that satisfy the case officer?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!