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Shared Ownership & Mortgage Interest Benefit

Father Joe

My son Matthew is 34 years old and was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was 18 years old.  The turning point for enabling him to live a more independent life was when he moved into his own house over 8 years ago under the Homes for Long Term Disabled (HOLD) scheme with Advance Housing.  This government sponsored scheme has helped thousands of people with disabilities move into more appropriate accommodation but is now threatened by last year's cut in Support for Mortgage Interest benefit (SMI).  My wife and I are now having to help Matthew financially to help him keep his home and this has undermined his self esteem and indpendence.  We are keeping the seriousness of the situation from Matthew as his depression will worsen if he knows his whole way of life could face sudden change.  Other than the government deciding to make special provision for the disabled, I do not know of a solution.  Is anybody else in this community in a similar position?

  • Hi Zoe

    Thank you for this information.  I will get in touch with them

    Joe

  • Hi Father Joe

    I recommend solicitors Irwin Mitchell in Manchester and in particular, Mathieu Culverhouse (google for tel no).  You can mention my name as I've already told Mat about your case (nothing specific, just the issues).  If you're not in the NW, Mat can give you the details of other IM branches near to you.

    I really wanted to be able to put you in touch with the other family but it seems this wont be possible due to community rules - sorry.

    Zoe

  • Hi Zoe,

    Thanks for the tip.  I hadn't thought about a legal challenge.  I will check with Advance Housing as they have legal experts who might be able to advise me if this is something worth pursuing.

     

  • Hi Zoe, 

    I'm really sorry but I'm afraid, as covered in the rules, we're not able to allowing the sharing of personal contact details through the forum. The Community is an early step towards encouraging online communication for the NAS and as result we're operating under pretty specific rules around risk.

    If Father Joe was interested in the details of the solicitor then their details could be shared on the forum, if that was okay with the law firm as well, but I'm afraid that would be all we're able to offer at this time.

    That's not to say that might change moving forward but for now we need to operate within the boundaries set by our current rules.

    I hope you understand, frustrating as it may be.

  • I know of another family who are currently seeking legal advice on a similar issue. 

    It may be possible to get legal aid for this type of case if its done in the name of your son and he qualifies for legal aid.  Would you like me to put you in touch with the family and/or the solicitor who is dealing with their case?

    The solicitor has recently completed a similar case for an adult child with learning difficulties.

    Zoe

    * edited by Jim V - mod