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Politics

Lifetime Social Housing Tenancies

713 replies

RowsOfFlowers · 26/06/2025 07:46

Am I wrong or being unreasonable to think that this new policy that Labour are bringing in is very unfair?

I come from a poor-ish background (as in no one in my wider family has any money). However, my mum and Dad did fairly okay and managed to move up the property ladder (through sheer hard work and sacrifice). My dad died a few years ago and so now it’s just my mom. We never received any benefits - and now my DH and I live in a house and pay a high interest rate (thanks Truss) and I don’t know if we will ever pay off our house (if I am to have children and go part time), so we will need to downsize. We don’t qualify for any benefits either but we are in the squashed middle, so we really feel it when anything rises in cost and don’t get any help.

I feel really cross that someone can benefit from social housing for a lifetime, no matter how much they go on to earn, and then if they pass away, they can pass it down as an asset.

I have a friend who’s parents came to this country, got given social housing, their children paid it off (40% discount) and now they all get to keep a £650k house in London. It doesn’t seem fair to me at all. I feel really disillusioned living in the UK.

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RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:29

I have met many people who do abuse the benefits system sadly. I’ve had people missing therapy or employment appointments so that they can go and get their hair or nails done as an examples.

There are some cases that are severe and very deserving of state support.

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RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:28

JenniferBooth · 07/07/2025 14:20

Its 20 years today since 7/7 Havent yet heard anyone say that its unacceptable for anyone affected to still have PTSD 20 years on.

That’s quite different and all of these conditions are case by case. I would suspect there are many cases that are not genuine I’m afraid.
of course in some cases they certainly are. It’s also possible to still work and have mh difficulties.

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mylovedoesitgood · 07/07/2025 14:27

There are a myriad of reasons why some people aren’t working.

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:26

cloudyblueglass · 07/07/2025 14:22

As a front line either in adult mental health (social care side) I can promise you, effective support is insanely thin on the ground. All that’s happening is firefighting.

I am also front line adult mental health. It depends on the area in terms of being thin on the ground to be perfectly honest, and the service.

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cloudyblueglass · 07/07/2025 14:22

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:17

The lockdowns had consequences for us all and in lots of different ways. I don’t think it’s acceptable 5 years on to still be blaming lockdowns, there’s plenty of support out there.

I do however feel for young people in deprived areas where there is a lack of jobs, for example pockets of the North of England.

As a front line either in adult mental health (social care side) I can promise you, effective support is insanely thin on the ground. All that’s happening is firefighting.

JenniferBooth · 07/07/2025 14:20

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:17

The lockdowns had consequences for us all and in lots of different ways. I don’t think it’s acceptable 5 years on to still be blaming lockdowns, there’s plenty of support out there.

I do however feel for young people in deprived areas where there is a lack of jobs, for example pockets of the North of England.

Its 20 years today since 7/7 Havent yet heard anyone say that its unacceptable for anyone affected to still have PTSD 20 years on.

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:17

The lockdowns had consequences for us all and in lots of different ways. I don’t think it’s acceptable 5 years on to still be blaming lockdowns, there’s plenty of support out there.

I do however feel for young people in deprived areas where there is a lack of jobs, for example pockets of the North of England.

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JenniferBooth · 07/07/2025 14:06

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:03

Yep, this is correct. The number of young people who are unemployed and claiming benefits has risen. As has those who have claimed it is due to mental heath reasons.

yes its almost as if those lockdowns had consequences isnt it

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 14:03

Bumpitybumper · 07/07/2025 12:59

There has been a rise in those living off benefits too. The increase in NEETs in particular points to a shift where young people no longer see the advantages of employment or education.

Yep, this is correct. The number of young people who are unemployed and claiming benefits has risen. As has those who have claimed it is due to mental heath reasons.

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Bumpitybumper · 07/07/2025 12:59

BIossomtoes · 07/07/2025 12:45

Economically inactive doesn’t equate to living on benefits. There was an epidemic of early retirement after Covid, those people are living on the private pensions they claimed early.

There has been a rise in those living off benefits too. The increase in NEETs in particular points to a shift where young people no longer see the advantages of employment or education.

BIossomtoes · 07/07/2025 12:45

Bumpitybumper · 07/07/2025 09:32

Many people are doing exactly this. Look at the statistics around economically inactive people in Britain.

Economically inactive doesn’t equate to living on benefits. There was an epidemic of early retirement after Covid, those people are living on the private pensions they claimed early.

RowsOfFlowers · 07/07/2025 12:42

Bumpitybumper · 07/07/2025 09:32

Many people are doing exactly this. Look at the statistics around economically inactive people in Britain.

Exactly. And morally, I believe that to be wrong, and that is why I’m not doing it.

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Bumpitybumper · 07/07/2025 09:32

verycloakanddaggers · 07/07/2025 08:33

I don't think you can really believe you pay into a system that doesn't benefit you at all - if you really believed that you'd stop working, stop paying your mortgage and live the fictional life of Riley on benefits.

Many people are doing exactly this. Look at the statistics around economically inactive people in Britain.

verycloakanddaggers · 07/07/2025 08:33

RowsOfFlowers · 06/07/2025 07:14

It shouldn’t be a level playing field? 🤔

No, I’m not suggesting tax payers pay for people’s mortgages, but I would expect there to be benefits seen by tax payers, especially in the middle classes. We aren’t high earners but are extremely squeezed. I feel as though I pay into a system that doesn’t benefit me whatsoever, I suspect private renters feel the same, if not worse.

I don't think you can really believe you pay into a system that doesn't benefit you at all - if you really believed that you'd stop working, stop paying your mortgage and live the fictional life of Riley on benefits.

RowsOfFlowers · 06/07/2025 07:14

BIossomtoes · 05/07/2025 20:49

Try the stress of living on benefits or minimum wage on for size. It shouldn’t be a level playing field, I paid my own mortgage during hard times and I really can’t see why taxpayers should pay other people’s mortgages for them.

It shouldn’t be a level playing field? 🤔

No, I’m not suggesting tax payers pay for people’s mortgages, but I would expect there to be benefits seen by tax payers, especially in the middle classes. We aren’t high earners but are extremely squeezed. I feel as though I pay into a system that doesn’t benefit me whatsoever, I suspect private renters feel the same, if not worse.

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BIossomtoes · 05/07/2025 20:49

RowsOfFlowers · 05/07/2025 20:20

It’s still not a level playing field in my opinion. The middle classes are screwed in this country. We face so much stress for little reward.

Try the stress of living on benefits or minimum wage on for size. It shouldn’t be a level playing field, I paid my own mortgage during hard times and I really can’t see why taxpayers should pay other people’s mortgages for them.

RowsOfFlowers · 05/07/2025 20:20

BIossomtoes · 04/07/2025 22:33

I didn’t say it was a benefit. I quite specifically said help. Nonetheless, mortgage holders who hit hard times have state support available to them.

It’s still not a level playing field in my opinion. The middle classes are screwed in this country. We face so much stress for little reward.

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RowsOfFlowers · 05/07/2025 20:19

JenniferBooth · 05/07/2025 19:38

Hope the low income essential workers remember this if there is ever another lockdown. Back in April 2020 i predicted that it would be back to the default setting of treating them like shit soon enough. Next time i hope they lock down too.

Sorry - where exactly in my post have I treated low income workers like “shit” @JenniferBooth ? You just want to pick a fight. Absolutely no understanding whatsoever.

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JenniferBooth · 05/07/2025 19:38

RowsOfFlowers · 04/07/2025 10:05

I wouldn’t mind living in a safe and secure home either - but I have to work hard, and long hours to be able to pay my bills and my mortgage. I spent a long time saving for a deposit for my home too, often working 2-3 jobs at a time. Yes, I am angry it is not a level playing field, and I still maintain my point that the middle classes get a bad, bad hand in this country. We qualify for nothing, and if we want or need anything else, we have to work harder. It isn’t fair, and I wish there was more support for people like myself, my friends and family, and other people in a similar position.

Low income jobs are and can be hard work as well, but it’s not the same level or type of stress safe in the knowing that they won’t lose their home at the end of the day 👍

Hope the low income essential workers remember this if there is ever another lockdown. Back in April 2020 i predicted that it would be back to the default setting of treating them like shit soon enough. Next time i hope they lock down too.

JenniferBooth · 05/07/2025 19:23

LikeWhoUsesTypewritersAnyway · 03/07/2025 20:39

Well said. BUT.. You're wasting your time. The hatred, resentment, and vitriol for social housing tenants runs too deep with some people. They won't believe facts, because it suits them to believe bullshit that paints social housing tenants in a bad light.

Also @RowsOfFlowers that article you have put up (at 10am today) is a load of made up nonsense I'm afraid, no matter how much you would like it to be true. Wink

Cant help hoping someone builds a new HA estate right next to where Noah Eastwood lives Lets see how long his "altruism" that social housing should only be for the most desperate, lasts then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BIossomtoes · 04/07/2025 22:33

RowsOfFlowers · 04/07/2025 19:55

Oh my god, someone has already pointed this out a number of times. It is a loan that you have to pay back plus interest. That is not a benefit. It is a loan.

I didn’t say it was a benefit. I quite specifically said help. Nonetheless, mortgage holders who hit hard times have state support available to them.

RowsOfFlowers · 04/07/2025 19:57

Frateletheboss · 04/07/2025 19:53

I'll read this fully later. My mother in law had a mortgage and lost her home when her husband left and she couldn't pay it. While my mother had been happily plodding along in her council home her whole life even in periods of unemployment she was fine because welfare helps with rent.

There's just no denying having a social rental is way better and more secure than a mortgage with a private rental being even worse. Honestly the "asset" arguement only works if you're comparing a mortgage to a private rental which you could get evicted from any time.

Sorry to hear about your MIL.

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mylovedoesitgood · 04/07/2025 19:57

Frateletheboss · 04/07/2025 19:41

How's it a choice? You can't just choose to have a council home the waiting list is five plus years even for someone in the highest priority band Ie a bed and breakfast with their kids. And mortgages can be cheaper than private rent.

I was about to get evicted when the landlord wanted to sell and getting a mortgage was the ONLY option (I have kids they cannot live in a tent).

Stop trying to act like you've got it harder and the op has it easy just because she has a mortgage, I think someone already pointed out if you lose your job and have to claim welfare you only get help with rent if you have a mortgage you are pretty much fucked.

Exactly - OP and her husband aren’t going to sell up and private rent leaving themselves at the mercy of a landlord, are they? That would be crazy in this day and age when the prices in the private sector are crazy high. And it’s not like they ever have a realistic chance of getting a council property. The RRB will help private renters, but landlords can still evict you for many reasons, one of them the reason why you were evicted.

You can get help with your mortgage, but as explained many times, the SML is much less than ideal and not comparable to housing benefit renters can get. You’re still fucked with the SML, just in a different way and perhaps not as painfully.

RowsOfFlowers · 04/07/2025 19:57

Frateletheboss · 04/07/2025 19:53

I'll read this fully later. My mother in law had a mortgage and lost her home when her husband left and she couldn't pay it. While my mother had been happily plodding along in her council home her whole life even in periods of unemployment she was fine because welfare helps with rent.

There's just no denying having a social rental is way better and more secure than a mortgage with a private rental being even worse. Honestly the "asset" arguement only works if you're comparing a mortgage to a private rental which you could get evicted from any time.

Honestly the "asset" arguement only works if you're comparing a mortgage to a private rental which you could get evicted from any time.

100% this.

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RowsOfFlowers · 04/07/2025 19:55

BIossomtoes · 04/07/2025 19:44

You can claim help with a mortgage. The details are here.

https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest/what-youll-get

Oh my god, someone has already pointed this out a number of times. It is a loan that you have to pay back plus interest. That is not a benefit. It is a loan.

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