> The next door neighbours got it done for sixty quid. The only actual quotes we've had were both over four hundred.

How long ago did your neighbours have it done? The rules for disposing of asbestos, even the small amounts of the relatively safe stuff in asbestos cement, have got stricter and the enforcement has got tighter. This is almost certainly a good thing for people whose job involves frequent handling of the stuff, and from the point of view of the amount in the general environment, but is unfortunate for those who have to pay for it.

(Though if it leads to fly-tipping to avoid charges then it ends up in the general environment with fewer precautions.)