Ok i got the problem about a year ago and pulled fuse 15 which has seen me ok for 12months.

but today the clocks flickered, so wondering if the "solution" is only temporary.

I can remember a long thread a while ago, but i don't remember there being a proper solution.

Does anyone have a permanent solution to this?

finally, i know this sounds odd, do you need the speedo to work? if i use a gps is this acceptable? i have 10months left on the MOT, and the cam belt is due in 5000miles so part of me is thinking just run the car regardless and replace at the end of the year.

Yes you need a proper speedo. Unfortunately.

I thought there was a voltage regulator on the cluster which failed, and was replaceable?

Yes you need a proper speedo. Unfortunately.

I thought there was a voltage regulator on the cluster which failed, and was replaceable?

Not even sure if the regulator fails, have a feeling it is dry joints, so a quick wave of a soldering iron might fix it.