Council tenancy dispute

[gremio]

Hi

Wonder if anyone can help or advise:

My mum passed away last year, and after a long time waiting for an outcome, I've been granted a succession of tenancy. However, I've been told I will have to move to a smaller accomodation as its now just me and this is a 2 bedroom house.

Her house, which I grew up in since the age of 24 (I am now 38) is filled with memories, possessions and basically my life - I've mentioned this many times to the council, but they have been negligent, ignored letters and emails I sent trying to speed things up, changed housing officer 5 times in the last 10 months, and have basically done the maths without taking into consideration my situation. I have now asked our local councillor for help, and she is pretty much on my side and agreeing to come with me to a meeting with the housing officer in a week. Can anyone who has been involved in a similar process on either side, please advise me on how this meeting might go? Many thanks

[Ethel]

I think the council is acting fairly in giving you succession in tenancy, entitling you to council accommodation.

I also think they are acting responsibly in moving you to a smaller place..
For various reasons council housing stock is in short supply, and it has to be allocated in the best way.

Your memories are not in your house, they are in your head and your heart.

Time to make a fresh start.

[fraggle08]

i have to agree with the previous comment, i think you should count yourself lucky that they have granted you the succession of tenancy.
Also, you have to remember that although it may be filled with memories, it is not actually your house, so you don't have any claim over this particular building. Sorry, i know it sounds harsh but its true. Plus, it is just bricks & mortar, your memories are in your head and your photos, possessions etc, and no-one can take them away from you.
Imagine if there was a family who were currently living in a grotty B&B, just waiting for a nice 2 bed house to become available, but they were denied it because you were insisting on staying there. Don't you agree that it makes sense to move on and let someone else create their own family memories there?
It will also allow you to start a new chapter in your own life.

[selby70]

No I dont see why you have to move I know lots of people on there own in 3 bedroom council houses, and as you are now the tenant you could apply to buy it and also what if you had a baby, no why would I leave I would take it all the way to the ombudsman. What about all these people that get 2 bedroomed houses saying they have children and grandchildren that stay and it is not the case. It is not your fault there is not enough council houses for people with families and I have been one of those people with a family waiting for a house. You contributed to the rent etc in the house so they should give you the tenancy if I was you I would apply to buy it right now and they could not move you out. Hope it helps

[gremio]

Thanks you for your comments - the last one is speaking from my point of view - it isnt our fault the country's in a state with not enough accommodation for citizens - Ive paid my rent and would like to buy eventually, and raise a family, so the space would get used, and I feel my family have earned it. Regarding the memories being in the heart and not in the actual house - that is a very simple solution, and sounds typical of the council's lack of not judging cases on their merits, and just adding up heads and rooms in their spreadsheet before sending out a form letter saying that I should move. Many thanks.

[babyphantom]

I live in a 2 bedroomed council flat with my daughter, and in my block of 6, I am the only one that doesn't live alone. All the flats are 2 bedroomed. Different councils obviously have different standards.