I think what you have going now is ideal in order for her to get the benefits she is entitled to due to her condition. You guys are still able to see each other, spend time together and do what couples that live together do.

Rebs....yes that might be the case in some situations, but it's no secret that money is the number problems for most couples that live together and cause headaches in relationships.

The arrangement now means they are not in each others face, she stays legal with her benefits, and they still get to see each other

Including a refuge?

So her outgoings are about 465 pm, consider some other savings you might make from living in one household (joint meals, not doubling up on cleaning items, light bulbs, etc), consider reduced transport costs to meet up and you might find you can save another 100+. So by living together she might save 565 expense against a loss of 900 of benefits...so about 335 pm worse off financially. So basically it's about 300 bucks keeping you apart. I am sure there are other factors too about whether it's better for you in two households vs one, but when you're considering the finance factor it's probably $300 (worse off) rather than $900.

I am 31 now, would like to 'retire' from my current industry (Transport) by 50 odd and then open my own bistro

good plan is that - suggest you start the bistro before you chuck in the towel if its doable

I imagine not.

But it would likely be a better idea to avoid a multi dwelling refuge when there was a welcoming friend or relative willing to put you up.

Now we are talking...obviously you have been thinking about this, what will this place offer and look like i.e. wi-fi, big creens et al?

Jsmth321 has recently had to move and it rather sounds like he's dependent on "where the work is" more so than most.

His partner is probably in a good situation housing wise and the p/t job mentioned. That 'constant' is probably one of those factors to take into account.

Bravo.....people seem to have missed the part where he point out those points, which obviously play into the overall picture

Would not be due to demands of current Job. Also me and Mrs planning on Kids in next year or 2 so basically when they get to 16 - 18 ish and they bugger off then its time to do this

Def not Big screens!!

Wifi - maybe

As for Menu just simple offerings but done to a high standard. Most places here its either junk food, Pub or trying to be high class.

I would be looking towards local produce / ingredients.

You hope.

Nope I was right the first time

You have a different approach, which is not all bad & is doable.

Given what you posted, in today's world you'd likely have to either boot them out of the house or do a midnight flit so they'll never find you - because its likely they'll be a noose hanging around your neck with hands out till at least you are pensionable age.

Now if you think about it, if it was me, once you have the bistro I would slave them into the business... waiting on tables, cleaning up, dish washing, after all why employ outsiders when you can do it with your own.

Not true.....You know why? If he is not separated / divorced, the Govt can't force him to fend for them at age 18 (they are officially adults). People that encourage adults to stay at home, aren't doing them or themselves any favours

Perhaps that is how he is looking at it????