My ex and I have now agreed that if possible we will try to sort out equal access and shared residency when we go to mediation. We are now losing the home that we rented together and she said that the council will only provide housing for one of the parents that will also accomodate the kids - that if I can get a council property I will only qualify for a one-bedroom flat. Can someone confirm this? How can I live in a one-bedroom flat and have somewhere for the kids to sleep? When I spoke to the mediation centre they said I would qualify for housing benefit for a two-bedroom place - can the council still only give me a one-bedroom place? Has anyone been in a similar situation or know of similar situations?
Hi there
I would advise you contact your local housing department and have a chat about your rights, you could also contact the CAB, I'm sure they will be able to advise you also.
If you can prove you have equal shared care you may be able to get the council to agree to rehousing you, but I feel it's a grey area. If they can't help you could think about contacting local housing associations or think about privately renting. It might be that you qualify for an exemption from the bedroom tax if you can prove that you have your children equally.
Perhaps a way round it would be for you to claim the child benefit for one child each, generally when a parent is receiving child benefit that could satisfy the criteria for receiving housing benefit.
Shelter also has a fantastic helpline for housing issues.
Good luck
Here's a useful link and you will find contact details at the bottom