"Even a stopped clock is right twice a day"

This week's big question got me reflecting on housing policy in general.

I'm no fan of our former Prime Minister Boris Johnson but he once had a remarkably good policy idea...perhaps typically it never got delivered. The idea was that Universal Claimants should be supported into home ownership and to do this government would instigate two specific but groundbreaking reforms.

First, savings in a Lifetime ISA (the government's preferred savings vehicle for a house deposit) would not count towards savings restrictions for Universal Credit purposes allowing UC claimants to not only save up if they can but to benefit from the government's 25% top-up. Secondly, that the housing element of UC could be used to fund mortgage repayments not just rent.

Dealing with the first point, it may well seem counterintuitive to be talking about UC claimants (most of us scraping by wondering if we can cover the bills each month) being able to put money aside for a house deposit but there are specific cases where this policy would be useful. For those who have recently separated and perhaps have a cash windfall from a house sale or even had significant savings built up but now find themselves on a solo (low) income with kids to house and feed the system says: spend your savings and then you can claim. Wouldn't it be more sensible if the system said: set that money aside for a house deposit, we'll let you claim until you can get into home ownership.

There is a benefit to government of UC claimants becoming home owners, which brings me to the bigger and more important second part of the policy. If UC could be used towards mortgage payments not just mortgage interest costs (as is the case now and even then it's not easy to claim) then eventually these housing element costs will fall and fall until they are non-existent as the UC claimant pays off the mortgage - surely its better for government to help people pay their mortgage and then save on housing element in the long term than ensure a generation of UC claimants are still claiming housing element into retirement? Not only this but allowing housing element to go towards mortgage repayments would open up home ownership to a wider group of people as mortgage lenders would now consider your total income (UC included) in mortgage applications (housing element is discounted by lenders because they know this part of your award will be ineligible once you move from rent to home ownership) and for those lucky enough to own their own home but unfortunately fall on hard times it would mean UC could prevent defaults and repossessions.

Combined with an expansion of shared ownership homes available and even expansion of the existing but small scale 'right to part buy' scheme, this could be a truly radical policy that would give hope to millions.

I’m feeling a bit exhausted from work. I feel like not going into work but I need to get up, get dressed and go win today. Sometimes, I feel I need to go out more often to spend time alone. I just want to wake up in a lovely hotel by the sea.. The biggest problem is how do I afford this trip. Some day one day.. I’m gonna achieve that. I will look back to this memory and smile☺️.

I don’t have much money now and am waiting for month end.

Not much healthy food in the cupboards and I feel bad that I have to cook bread and baked beans for supper most nights.

Another bill! ! I actually get anxious when I get an email. I drew up the strength and called the water company. I was embarrassed and retraumatised again having to tell my survival story. The reason I have debt due to fleeing domestic abuse. The customer service lady on the phone was so kind, compassionate and supportive. We put in a payment plan and she asked if I was getting support.

After the call I realised I’m doing the best I can on low income but the trauma of the domestic abuse affects my mental and emotional health and effects this has on my income (a lot sick leave). However moments of kindness and support show I am a survivor and doing best for my son and I. However more support for all genders of domestic abuse survivors and the financial impact would be amazing. So I make a cup of tea with mug my son bought me and plough on …

This month and next feels like a series of expensive issues. The car has got punctures in two new (part-worn) tyres so I had to pay for a repair and another replacement.

The dog requires some treatment at the vets which I will have to use my credit card for.

The bills have all increased.

There are things that need replacing / repairing in the house which I think "I'll pay for that next month" but then something else happens and the money is required for that.

It feels like constantly treading water whilst hoping for someone to throw a life ring at me.

Grateful for the better weather this last week so at least I don't have to put my heating on and listen to the boiler creaking and groaning (one of the many things that needs replacing).

Feeling worried because food shopping has become a luxury

Apparently, last year, I received more Universal Credit than I was entitled to due to a miscalculation in the dates of the UC increase. The difference is only £150, and I’ll pay it back, of course. However, I wasn’t informed about the reduction in my payment until a few days before I received my UC for the month. They’ve reduced it by £98, which may not seem like a significant amount, but considering the current cost of living, it means we’re short of money a week before payday. I’m supposed to be saving money, but I don’t even know if I can make ends meet.

I understand that there’ll be a further increase soon, but it can’t come soon enough. Additionally, due to my payment date, I’ll have to wait until June before the increase is reflected in my payment.

I have enjoyed spending Easter with the children, however the cost of everything is really hitting me.

There's definitely a stigma to seeing a counsellor and trying to heal from past domestic abuse, whilst been on reduced hours. The HR policy within work stating my sick record is high, but I know I am doing best I can for my son and I xx

We cannot afford the £3.66 chocolate eggs but instead we boiled for 30 mins some eggs then once cooled we decorated and painted them. My son 12 but time together is important. This can be hard when social media “create different social pressures“ of expensive eggs or lots of days out etc. I feel sometimes I am not “good enough“ parent as I cannot give my son “those experiences“ xx

Universal credit have ask me to upload a CV.

I have worked in retail for many years and as well as doing short courses and raising a young family.

I feel being on a a low income and raising 2 children under the age of 10 gives me little time and finances to better my further education prospects.

There is very little support for mothers over the age of 35 onwards to go to college or even university part time.

This is so frustrating.

Well okay easter hols early this yr kids will eat us out house as normal x

Just sooo tiered. Need a decent night's sleep xx