Case Studies

Resident 1:

Key worker accommodation resident

Name: Gideon
Age: 22
Occupation: Teacher (on the TeachFirst scheme for graduates) From: Nottingham. Moved to London for job Salary: £20,000/year Lives: Key worker accommodation in Vauxhall, central London Rent: £400/month, inclusive of bills and council tax Reasons for choosing Housing Association Accommodation: It's specially geared towards key workers and rent is lower than commercial prices. I couldn't afford to live in such a nice central area if I was paying commercial rates. Plus the property is new and clean and electricity etc is included. On the down side, I have to share a kitchen, which can be annoying. However, it's very sociable – everyone in my building is very friendly and in some ways it's just like being back in halls at university!

Resident 2:

Mother in a housing association flat

Name: Samantha
Age: 31
Occupation: Trained as a nurse, currently a full-time mum From: Manchester, moved to London with husband Salary: n/a. Supported partially by ex-husband, partially through benefits Lives: 3 bedroom flat in Eltham, South London Rent: £250/month, partially covered by housing benefit Reasons for choosing Housing Association Accommodation: When I separated from my husband I first approached the council for housing and was passed on to the housing association. I was initially housed in a very small flat in a central London estate, but after a month they were able to transfer me to this roomy flat in Eltham. I like the flexibility that a big housing association with lots of property provides, but the downside is definitely the redtape and paperwork.