This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
This will affect people claiming full Housing Benefit in high rent areas, and living in private rented accommodation. I do not understand enough about economics to figure out whether that will force rents down, as presumably the landlords want SOME money out of their property rather than letting it stand empty?
I think that private landlords have tenants over a barrel when it comes to rent, as it is now so difficult to buy.
I was gazzumped with a private let when I was homeless. I think there a those who will be able to fill properties of those who cannot afford the rent.
I think its awful.
The whole attitude towards social housing stinks.
Hi everyone,
I was reading an article in one of the newspapers about this and also on the bbc website and what worried me was the amount of people who think it is right and fair for people to be made homeless, they just didn`t care at all, one landlord said he would rather have his properties empty than have people on housing benefit in them.
I wonder what their attitude will be when the cuts really start to kick in?
People really don't care and feel just in criticising until it touches them.
Perhaps I was lucky, in that my parents were strong believers in social housing, and I don't ever recall them being judgemental about peoples situations. They did foster children (two long-term) and maybe had an appreciation too of how hard life could be.
I know that when I was homeless I made a point of telling people our situation in the hope that they might realise that it can happen to anyone.
Until it touches you, I really don't think anyone can appreciate the devastation it brings.
It infuriates me too the attitude of some landlords.
I did understand the reason why my landlord sold up - even though I don't think that they should be able to sell a property until a tenant decides to leave - but like to think when I explained problems around getting housing benefit in place, that he does now accept tenants (he's renovated two places since to let) in receipt of benefit.
After all the not so badly off can be awful tenants too...
Can't blame landlords for not wanting DSS people as the DSS or what ever it's called now is crap at paying up, that's been the experience of an old friend of mine who owns a few properties in Holyhead, he wont touch them now unless it's for a friend or someone he knows.
And a house just on the corner from me, the woman was talking to me the other day saying that she wasn't going to have DSS any more as the last family trashed the house and did a runner. I was trying to explain to her that not all people on benefits are like that and she said maybe but I'm not going to to wast my time looking for some that are good while redecorating my house every six months.
I was homeless with my wife when my son was born, living rough just prior to his birth and then going through the whole hostel bed sits and finally scummy council house on a run down forgotten estate and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
We are all a product of society and I think society has an obligation to help and look after us especially those who cant help them selves for what ever reason, it's just a shame that things and money are more important than people, that and waging wars for the control of resources.
I'm reading a really good book at the moment about a troubled homeless person called, 'Stuart A Life Backwards'
Homelessness is one of the issues I feel most strongly about, I know we all talk about swimming pools etc if we won the lottery but I know that a homeless project would receive my help. A home is the most basic of human needs (after food) and everyone has a right to shelter and warmth.
As for people trashing houses, tenants from all walks of life can do that. It's a shame that landlords think otherwise.
One of the Beaver scout leaders has a house they let (her house before moving in with partner), and it has been trashed and rent not paid. The tenants who have left, and who's she chasing to sort are a couple - one is a police officer and the other teacher.
Again, conclusions about the type of character people are because they're on benefits.
Louise, I would be the same if I won the lottery. No one should go through it.
I grew up in a council house, and while I don't think 48 to be old, living on a council estate was acceptable. It should still be.
I really agree with the second article. By the way, my son was due to go on the student protest, none of his friends would go with him so he did not in the end, but I was relieved in view of the trouble that happened. it would be just like him to be involved in peaceful protest and get caught up in things and end up being arrested.
Whilst I am shocked by the first article, I do take some comfort in the acknowledgement that there is discretion to fit jobs round caring responsibilities.
But I still wonder where all these jobs are?
"the number of people who would be forced to move would be in "a very low number of thousands".
OH! that's all right then! vague but hay, only a 'low number of thousands'* (of families kicked out of their houses). Will be able to sleep better knowing that.
?
*How not to give an answer you know someone doesn't want to hear and yet still give an answer without actually saying anything when you don't really want to actually answer the question because you know people aren't going to like the answer.
Ian Duncan-Smith's attitude is frightening. He has absolutely no idea what he's talking about as he has no experience of it.
Hi Louise, Bubblegum
I thought the second article was very well written too.
My daughters will no doubt also become involved if the peaceful protests arrive here which no doubt they will.
Yes I agree with your last paragraph Bubblegum.
Interesting that even the so called high brow newspapers are getting edgy about civil unrest
Where are the jobs, well I have scoured the job centre site on here today and there is absolutely nothing that will fit around school hours.
Homelessness is one of my passions, its is ridiculous to say it will only be a few thousand families isnt it!!!!
I am going to have a long hard think about all of this today as see what I can come up with, feel a huge headache looming 
Don't think, it's dangerous and it only gets you into trouble.
Flash mobs, eh?
My son lives in Leeds and he was going to London to take part in the protest, that is why he did not want to go alone.
Very few politicians will have experienced homelessness first-hand. I have not either, but was threatened with at one stage, and that was bad enough.
Ha Ha Bubblegum,
Yes you are so right, when I think it always gets me into bother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The politicians do their token sleep out dont they, well some of them have although I really doubt the Ian Duncan-Smith has been one of them.
I am mulling over what to do next, all of this is so unfair and totally unjust on the vast majority that it will hurt.
Hi
Wondered if anyone has read this yet?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11802378
It seems to me that firstly this has to be open to challenge on the right to privacy?
If someone was in a social housing property and lets say were offered a promotion at work which might not be a fantastic rise in wages but enough to take them over the threshhold(whatever that may be set at) then they would most likely turn down the offer of promotion as it would mean they have to move house?
Will this not actually have the complete opposire effect than the one desired by ths government and in some ways make people less ambitious for fear of losing their home?
Hi tired mum
Yes I was reading that yesterday. My first thought was that if there was enough social housing in the first place, they would not need to do it. I then thought "but if there isn't, shouldn't priority go to those in greatest need?" and then I thought of the discussion we have had with sparkling lime where she spoke very eloquently about security of tenure, and I also take your point on board that people will be reluctant to climb the financial ladder in case they lose their home.
My overall conclusion thus far is that we are being asked to think of new social housing tenancies in a completely different light- almost as temporary accommodation while financial circumstances remain difficult.
I feel that with the jobs available in this area, that anyone below senior management would not be able to afford to save for a deposit, never mind be offered a mortgage.
I see a lot of private housing being built in my area, when even if one of the estates had been social housing, it would have helped. Affordable housing is out of reach for many.
As for rents being increased to the going market rate, why is that the private landlords aren't 'make' to reduce their rents?
I know housing in some European countries is very different, with renting your home being the accepted norm. Perhaps that is the way this country is heading. I'm sure our children will accept it.
I think it is sad that my children will probably have to leave Anglesey to be in a position where they can afford to live in a place they can call home. I would find it difficult to call anywhere home too, if there seems little point unpacking all your boxes, being unable to choose the colour of the paint for the walls and being unable to put hooks up to hang pictures...
That's really terrible. Especially as this means that many who are in need will be left out. I agree with the previous posts that finding a job in this climate is really difficult. So many people have been fired from their jobs and are now also looking. I really recommend anyone who is looking to get at least a part-time job or some voluntary work, to bridge any gap in their CV and appear "active" to employers.
Hi
I agree it is terrible that you think your children may have to move out of the area that they know.
Here is another article, at least Labour seem to agree with us
Some really good comments there too.
I strongly believe that people will move on if they find they're in a position to. Often people are more than happy to downsize too when their families leave home.
Conservatives really are treating all those in social housing as thick and unable to think for themselves when the vast, vast majority can.
Mr Shapps said "...with five million people on the waiting list, change was needed" (from the above link).
Mmmmm. Wonder what could be done... build more social housing perhaps - ok, maybe not 5 million 
That is good news.
I thought you would like it
I can see Wales becoming a very popualr place to live along with Scotland where I think the same applies
Thank you for that bubblegum very interesting read.
Have you read this article
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11879051
Far from rents coming down, they are in fact increasing!!!!!
I'm really very lucky as my sister, who is my landlady, only charges me two quid more than what I get in housing benefit.
It is awful that so many people struggle even when they are working so many hours. However, I do have to question the definition of "poverty", under which you could have paid your rent and council tax and have £288 a week left for four of you. The utilities cost the same however many people live together.
Hay! haven't we had that whole 'definition of Poverty' discussion in here before? : )
Yes we have and I believe you posted very eloquently about the situation in other countries, where many people have no shelter or food.
Those rules exist now, but it will apply to more and more people.
Where I live I have seen a massive increase in the Big Issue sellers over the past year.
It's really, really scary. Anybody can lose their job in this climate and it can so easily happen to anyone. Trying to get a job is so hard now, as there is so much competition. Last job I applied for, last week, over 100 people applied for it.
I know we are in debt, but why have the bankers who caused a huge amount of the debt got away with it?