I have a relative who is a single mother to two daughters, ages 13 and 8. She works 18 hours a week and receives additional benefits. They live in a 2 bed flat, but the oldest daughter has been living with her grandparents for several years. The girls father lives close by, and gives her money cash in hand.
The eldest daughter has never actually lived in the flat, yet remains on the tenancy agreement. My family member is really eager to find a 3 bed house, especially one with a garden for her daughter and a spot for parking. She’s had a few chats with the council, but they’ve made it clear that she doesn’t qualify for housing assistance and already has a suitable place to live. They mentioned she can reapply once her oldest child turns 16, but for now, both girls can share a room. It’s a bit irrelevant since the oldest child doesn’t actually live there, but the council aren’t aware of that.
I suggested she looks at private rentals if she wants to move before her daughter turns 16, but she’s hesitant because she doesn’t want to spend more on rent since her housing benefit currently cover all of it. That’s okay, but every time I meet her, she just complains. She talks about how unfair it is and how she deserves a bigger house. She questions why so many people with fewer kids get new build houses. She’s also brought up several times that I’m fortunate to live in a nice area. I work full time and don’t get any help. I wouldn’t say it’s luck, it’s really just the result of hard work. It’s exhausting listening to her.
Just to clarify it’s not that she can’t afford it. With her salary and benefits, she makes what amounts to a full time wage. I completely support anyone striving to improve their lives, but is it unreasonable for me to suggest that if she desires to move into a bigger house in a more desirable area, she should either cover the rent or at least contribute to the costs? That’s what most people typically have to do.