I've only done my IMCR this year and my instructor was absolutely clear that the way to use it to get back to our VFR airfield if required (i.e. cloud base below MSA, otherwise, just get a traffic or deconfliction service for the descent through cloud) was to do an instrument approach into one of the local major airfields then break-off once clear of cloud and come home VFR. If you are worried about the 20 quid or whatever for the approach then I would suggest that you should probably not be airborne in such conditions!
Just to add a plug for the IMCR, I would encourage any UK pilot with a JAR PPL to get one in the last few months before it might disapear. I have had it only six months and have used some aspect of the skills or privileges nearly every time I have flown since getting it.