We oppose any reforms that place people under pressure to move out of their homes. Rent restrictions For the same reasons people may need to live in properties whose rent is higher than the eligible rent. Eligible rents should be set at levels at which suitable accommodation is available in the locality, where suitability takes account of the needs of people with mental health problems. Single Room Rent - some young people with mental health problems will find it difficult to share accommodation or to sustain shared living arrangements, even where that accommodation is available. One mental health organisation in Lancashire reports people having to find 15 - 25 from income support to top up their rent if they cannot find or cope with shared accommodation.
Mind recommends that the single room rent is abolished rather than redefined.
Mental ill health is a major barrier to obtaining insurance. Extending the waiting period before ISMI can be paid would place more people under threat of re-possession, and deteriorating mental health. We oppose extending the waiting period and recommend that the waiting period be waived for people who are unable to obtain insurance. We also recommend the development of a more comprehensive mortgage benefit scheme. There is still a great deal of discrimination and people may be unsure of their health and capacity to work.