Joint bank account

CC27810

TLDR: setting up a joint bank account with my housemate to pay bills, good idea or no?

I’m hoping to move in with a mate to a house share, and he had the idea to set up a joint bank account to consolidate our rent and bills. Rather impulsively, I agreed and it’s set up now. But after chatting with a mate who’s on the same benefits as me, I now have my doubts.

To be clear, we are not partners and he’s working full time and not on benefits. I have a part time job that is supplemented by LCWRA. The account is set up purely for the convenience of paying every bill together.

While I’m not super worried about being audited and scrutinised as it’s happened before, I’m worried about the logistics of the DWP checking a joint account. I have always been open and upfront about bank details, but with my mental health I don’t want the scrutiny to consume it.

I appreciate the help you guys give, please tell me if this is a good idea or not. It’s only been set up today so worse case I really don’t mind asking my mate to close it.