Bedroom Tax, late to the party and didn't bring a bottle!

Sir_Pac

red_devil wrote: »

its not easy to downsize there are not enough properties. Its just a tax on the poor.

People should not pay and maybe they may scrap it.

They may yet scrap it all together, or at least revise it!

Everything might change again when the 'Universal Credit' comes into effect (October I think).

I can only deal with my situation now, and make plans for the future.

My hope is to keep the flat (too much of me invested in it to walk away and start again). With that in mind, I imagine I'll be tighening my belt further, and trying to find the extra money needed to pay the difference, that or move to a single-bedroom flat - I'd rather not - but might not have a choice.

If I'm forced to move into a single-bedroom flat, who would be responsible for finding a suitable flat, I can't recall seeing many empty properties locally.

I'm in a low-rise flat, and wouldn't want to move into a high-rise for instance - would I have a choice...

For the last six months I've been making plans for self-employment and although far from ready to take that leap, I think I'll be bringing my plans forward and hoping for the best.

I'm know I'm not the only one struggling to cope with this matter, and wish everyone else in the same boat a speedy, and happy conclusion.

nannytone_2

most councils operate a bidding system for vacant properties.
you would need to register with your council and then bid on any property that interested you.

i was in the same position as you, but being blind it is highly unlikely that i will find employment.
luckily a one bed flat that had been supported housing for young people, was reclassified and i asked the housing association if i could have it and they agreed.

it has cos me over £400 to move ( carpets taken up and relais, new worktop in the kitchen as i have a hob and not a stand alone cooker, okus paying for additional help) i borrowed this money and will struggle to repay it.
but at least i am now in a decure home.
hope everything works out for you

harrys_dad

red_devil wrote: »

its not easy to downsize there are not enough properties. Its just a tax on the poor.

People should not pay and maybe they may scrap it.

Whilst I agree with your initial sentiments this is not practicable. This is not a demand for extra money by Govt, but a reduction in HB, which means more net rent has to be paid. So non-payment will not be treated as "tax arrears" but "rent arrears". Early indications are that the number of social housing tenants in arrears is shooting through the roof. I expect the same will be happening with Council Tax arrears too, from those who are having to pay up to 20%, even with no income except JSA in some areas.

It will be interesting to see what the response will be from Social Housing Landlords and Councils. The Govt couldn't care, they have saved "their" money already, £500million a year in the case of Council tax alone. B++++++s.

Sir_Pac

nannytone wrote: »

but being blind .

Hello nannytone, can I ask how you cope with forum chat? How do you overcome your blindness?

nannytone wrote: »

i have a hob and not a stand alone cooker,

Again, a question regarding your blindness (hope you don't mind) is the hob, gas, electric?

I ask because I'm looking at cookers now (I haven't had a cooker for well over a year) and I'm considering getting an induction hob. In my opinion, these would be excellent cookers for the blind as they only heat up when you place a metal (magnetic) based pot/pan on the hob, remove the pot/pan, and the hob is (as far as I'm aware) off! (and cool to the touch! again, only something I've read about in my search for a hob.

nannytone_2

Sir_Pac wrote: »

[/B]Hello nannytone, can I ask how you cope with forum chat? How do you overcome your blindness?



Again, a question regarding your blindness (hope you don't mind) is the hob, gas, electric?

I ask because I'm looking at cookers now (I haven't had a cooker for well over a year) and I'm considering getting an induction hob. In my opinion, these would be excellent cookers for the blind as they only heat up when you place a metal (magnetic) based pot/pan on the hob, remove the pot/pan, and the hob is (as far as I'm aware) off! (and cool to the touch! again, only something I've read about in my search for a hob.

i use special speaking software. all of it's 'voices' are really annoying, but some more so than others.
i type in bold because i have some limited sight, and it allows me to find my own posts, rather than re read the whole thread.

my new flat is virtually nect door to my old one, and was built by the same builders, at the same time ( 2 years ago). they are both all electric, and so i didnt have to make a choice between utilities.

i opyrd for a built in oven and hob, rather than a cooker, as it decreases the opportunity for me to make a mess ( spills down the side of the cooker).
i'm a bit of a clean freak, and being blind makes it worse rather than better.
i cant see if things are clean, and so assume they are dirty!

i dont cook on my own, because i cant be trusted not to set my flat on fire

[Deleted User]

Even though it was a council c*ck up they won't CARE and will expect you to pay it , the attitude you got on your phone call will be across the board

You may? get a 'sorry you didn't receive a notification'' BUT they will concentrate on how and when you will be paying the amount owed plus your new weekly amount

I have to pay £22 a week - I have applied for a DHP but doubt very much I will get it if they take DLA into account

As for finding a lodger they only let you keep a certain amount of the rent the lodger pays you ( am not sure of the amount but think it might be £20??? )

So personally I think it's not worth the hassle of having a stranger share your house with you but there are not many other options apart from moving to a smaller place which is not straightforward either

Glad you can laugh about it as there is not much compassion from the government for those who are really struggling to get by and they don't care how you pay it or if you can afford it or if you are even eating or keeping warm , law says it has to be paid atm so it has to be paid , sorry you weren't aware of it before and it's not much of a party for those who can't afford it but am sure the tories are living it up in their 8 bedroom houses!

Sir_Pac

nannytone wrote: »

i use special speaking software. all of it's 'voices' are really annoying, but some more so than others.
i type in bold because i have some limited sight, and it allows me to find my own posts, rather than re read the whole thread.

Is there no way of changing the voice used within the software?

nannytone wrote: »

i'm a bit of a clean freak, and being blind makes it worse rather than better.
i cant see if things are clean, and so assume they are dirty!

I will send you the keys to my flat, would you pop in once a week and clean the place from top to bottom

nannytone wrote: »

i dont cook on my own, because i cant be trusted not to set my flat on fire

Then an induction HOB would suit you. They are cheap to buy, approximately £30 for a two ring hob, and very cheap to run. They also only work when you have a metal pot or pan on the hob. Remove the pan, and the heat is gone.

I'm seariously considering getting one for my flat.

p.s How does your software cope with the smilies etc, if not very well, then in the future I'll refain from using them with you.

Sir_Pac

cazzap06 wrote: »

Even though it was a council c*ck up they won't CARE and will expect you to pay it , the attitude you got on your phone call will be across the board

I don't care if they care, lol I fully expect to have to pay. However, the phrase "Everything is negotiable" and it is my intention to get the arrears removed. If they'll do that, I will 'come quietly officer' and start paying the new rate.

cazzap06 wrote: »

So personally I think it's not worth the hassle of having a stranger share your house with you but there are not many other options apart from moving to a smaller place which is not straightforward either

I agree, and I won't be looking into taking in a lodger - unless she's fit, enjoys cleaning and has a car :rotfl:I will inform Solihull Housing that I'll accept an exchange, from my two-bedroom to a single-bedroom.

Does anyone know whose responsible for finding the exchange?

cazzap06 wrote: »

Glad you can laugh about it as there is not much compassion from the government for those who are really struggling to get by and they don't care how you pay it or if you can afford it or if you are even eating or keeping warm , law says it has to be paid atm so it has to be paid , sorry you weren't aware of it before and it's not much of a party for those who can't afford it but am sure the tories are living it up in their 8 bedroom houses!

The only good thing to come out of beating my depression was becoming an optimist (which is a strange side-effect).

Caz3121

If you can find someone to exchange with you can put forward a mutual exchange. If you use Facebook a quick search on Solihull Exchange shows there are a couple of closed groups you could join I assume to post "I have....I want" and likewise to view if anyone has a one bed that wants a 2 bed in your area...
The difficulty you may have if there are more people looking to downsize than up.

lighting_up_the_chalice

Sir_Pac wrote: »

Does anyone know whose responsible for finding the exchange?

You are....