Following previous OnTheWight discussions over what has been dubbed the ‘Spare Bedroom Tax’, one reader who seems to be stuck in a rut with social housing gets in touch to share her story. Ed
Dear Editor
I would like to bring to yours and everyone’s attention, the situation as I see it.
I am in favour of living in a suitable sized property, be in it social or the private sector, all be it within the realms of an appropriate time scale to complete.
My ongoing situation is I’m a single lady in a three bedroom house owned by Spectrum/Medina Housing.
Although I’ve being allowed to join the exchange register, I’m unable to offer a mutual exchange, because the house I’m occupying has extreme damp and sinking flooring on the ground floor.
Ground floor not habitable
As a direct consequence of this my furniture has had to be disposed of. I now have no sofa, no chairs, no cupboards or table. It is not habitable downstairs.
Funding has been allocated since 2004 and I’ve been packed since 2008.
It seems to me that Medina Spectrum are wasting money, hand over foot, yet still no smaller property in any location has been offered to me.
My understanding is that they knew about the issue when they purchased the house but did not resolve it before offering it to me as a home!
Who’s regulating the housing associations?
The point being, the control is with the housing, yet nobody is enforcing them as a body to resolve this situation.
This is a very raw issue with many, especially those living in overcrowded properties.
I have not called it home since I moved here and really have no desire to stay.
Is my story unique? Well yes and if you are interested please get in touch by emailing me [email protected]
