ILR/ILE for spouse who works abroad

[Sufi2]

I have been granted ILR after 5yrs work permit. My spouse currently holds work permit dependent visa. We have been married for over 8yrs. My spouse half lives and works abroad and comes back to the UK almost every 8 weeks stays for a month and travels back to various stations. My spouse is not paid from the UK but our accounts and bills are held jointly. I could not include my spouse in my application for ILR as dependant as was away during the time it fell due. My spouse has had this visa for 5yrs now and been using it each time to travel in and out of UK. We have 3 children together. Questions:

1. Considering rule changes, can my spouse apply for ILR or ILE if application is to be made from outside?

2. What problems can we anticipate, if any?

3. We are likely to get council house but we do not intent to claim housing or council tax benefits, will this be accepted as suitable accomodation?

[Sufi2]

Anybody to help? @vinny, jambo et al?