I'm 82 and MPs need to hear my views on this devastating housing benefit cap
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Version 0 of 1. On Tuesday I went to parliament to provide evidence against the government’s proposed plans – something, at my age, I never thought I’d say. The government wants to introduce housing benefit caps for those living in supported accommodation, including sheltered housing. But it hasn’t considered how this will affect those, like me, that need it the most so I decided to take a stand. I’m 82 and have been living in retirement housing for close to eight years. I retired quite late in life, at 75, and wanted to live somewhere where we had fewer responsibilities as we knew we’d soon need additional support. My wife and I just about manage financially. We receive housing benefit, along with pension credit (approximately £3 a week) and council tax assistance. However, we still have commitments from before retirement. We make do, but this does mean we have to be careful with our money. If the proposed cap goes ahead, and there is no top up from the local council, we face a shortfall of £609 a year. This would have a devastating impact. It could ultimately cost us the life we have built in sheltered accommodation and I was enormously grateful to have the chance to tell MPs of my concerns, when I spoke at the select committee inquiry on supported housing. One of the best things about moving into sheltered housing is the level of security – I am now part of a community that look after each other and come together for support. I don’t have to worry for myself or my wife, as help is always at hand. If anything were to happen, our scheme manager or our neighbours would be there to help. We don’t have family living close by, so this is a real relief. We had been burgled living independently in our previous home, but now we have CCTV cameras, double glazed key locked windows and a controlled entry system. The level of community within sheltered accommodation is invaluable. Having a close social network also keeps me active physically and mentally, and has really helped to stave off the risk of loneliness. It has also made it easier for me to get involved in local groups. For example, I am a member of a writers’ group, where we produced an anthology of short stories to raise money for charity. I have also been involved in our sheltered housing customer forums. Residents have had the opportunity to discuss where we live and influence what happens. That can be anything from whether we’re happy with the wifi to helping design the new customer handbook. It’s a privilege to get involved; something we wouldn’t necessarily be able to if we lived elsewhere, especially at our age when our views and opinions don’t always feel so valued. The proposed caps would have a substantial negative impact on our lives. With so few outgoings, where are we expected to find the cash to cover the cost of the shortfall between our housing allowance and our rent? There’s not much that we could cut back on as we don’t go out to the cinema or go on big shopping trips. We couldn’t cut back on travel costs, as we don’t have car and use our bus passes. If these cuts to our housing benefit happen, would we have to leave our sheltered accommodation? I’m not sure how we would cope if we did. Sign up for your free Guardian Housing network newsletter with news and analysis sent direct to you on the last Friday of the month. Follow us: @GuardianHousing |