What is the cost of having a Homesharer?
£150.00 per month. This is a facilitation fee payable to Share and Care Homeshare each month, no other costs. And no money changes hand between the Householder and Sharer.
Why is there a monthly cost?
Share and Care Homeshare is a Community Interest Company and a business with primary social objectives, so the money received by scheme participants goes towards the costs running of the scheme with surpluses principally being reinvested into the business or in the community.
Would a Householder lose their Council Tax discount?
If the Sharer is a student then no, as students are exempt from Council Tax. If the Householder does lose their allowance, a Sharer can be asked to contribute (capped at up to £60 pcm which also includes a potential contribution towards the household bills ) towards the loss of discount.
Does having a Sharer affect a Householders tax situation?
Having a Sharer doesn’t affect your income as no money changes hands between the Sharer and Householder
Will a Householder lose their benefits if they have a Sharer?
Benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Severe Disablement Benefit are not taken away if you have a Sharer. In fact, if you are claiming this kind of benefit, Council Tax may not be payable and the Sharer may not be liable for any Council Tax payments regardless of their work status.It is important you clarify this according to your personal situation.
Who pays household bills?
The Householder continues to be responsible for the household bills of the property. However, the Householder is entitled to request an agreed contribution to Council Tax per month (capped at up to £60 pcm which also includes a potential contribution towards the household bills ).
Who pays for food in a Homeshare?
Usually the Householder and Sharer each pay for their own food, or a fair share of the cost of the food if eating together.
Does a Householder need to have internet access?
99% of Sharers require broadband and so we do ask that Householders arrange for their home to have access to broadband. (Often Sharers help with this when they move in) Most telephone companies will add a broadband package to an existing landline for a small monthly cost, a Sharer can be asked to pay for this if necessary.
What if a Householder would like a Sharer but can’t afford £150 pcm?
We do have discretionary discounts, please contact us for further details. For those that need low level support we do have another service Helpful Housemate, the housemate gives only 5 hours of support each week but does pay some rent too.
Is it safe to have a stranger living in the home?
Share and Care Homeshare takes safeguarding very seriously and has a robust policy in place, ensuring that all Sharers are interviewed, vetted and reference- checked in line with current safeguarding procedures. One of our Directors Amanda Clarke has also completed a SCIE Safeguarding Course to ensure we maintain the highest standards. We continue to keep in contact with both the Householder and the Sharer during the time they are living together and are always on hand for support and advice.
Householder doesn’t need any help but is lonely
For those that need low level support and are not ready for or in need of a Sharer, we do have another service Helpful Housemate, the housemate can give 5 hours of support/company each week but does pay some rent to the Householder. All Helpful Housemates are vetted.
