A member of my extended family was in a relationship with a man who has a son he has access visits with two nights a week, and more in the school holidays. They had a daughter together, and were eventually allocated a three-bed council house. (We're in Scotland, in a part of the country where housing isn't under as much pressure as elsewhere.)
The relationship has broken down and the man (and his son) have moved out, leaving an empty bedroom. She would like to take in a lodger to help out financially. She works 20 hours a week and receives Universal Credit top up. I know that she's allowed a lodger (if the council agrees) and that this won't affect her UC. I'm also aware that she can receive up to £7500pa tax free through the Rent a Room Scheme, (she won't be charging anywhere near that!) but I'm not sure about the rules around "being a household" which used to apply back in the dark ages when I last claimed benefits. Back then, if landlord and lodger shared meals, they could be considered a "household" and were treated as a couple who had to make a joint claim - this would not be helpful for my family member.
I have had a look round the government website but remain uncertain. Can anyone clarify? Sharing meals would help keep the electricity bill down. What if the lodger wanted to pay for upgraded internet, or television packages? Should these be in lodger's name, or landlady's?
All help massively appreciated.