Council housing

[Linda_191012]

Hi all, just wanted to share the knowledge that I have been told I could face a 15 year wait for a manchester council . house for me and my autistic child . They have advised me to go private, although landlords are under no obligation to do major adaptations which my son needs. I also face the uncertainty of not having a lifetime home as my son struggles with change. Thty have refused twice to assess his medical needs, and have admitted the problems I could face by going private, but they say, those who go to work , deserve a council house more than us, reflecting their attitude that a carer does not work.What private landlord will allow me to create an autism friendly home which is more complex than it sounds. All my friends are now preparing their homes for adulthood with extensions for sensory area, and wet rooms/walk in shower. However, the council do not think we are deserving of a home. Some of my friends with disabled children, have been in and out of private housing due to landlords selling up. However, the ones who have severely autistic children have the security oowneither their own home, or council property.. Can't understand why council's don't give a higher banding for families like these, and prioritize working families, who may be able to buy their own property, or shared ownership. These families, often get a council house and then buy it and reduce stock of houses. Priority needs to change as councils regard these families as a priority, when they are the ones who are more able to live in private, as their children will grow and live independently elsewhere, where as a carer, my son will always require lifelong one to one care

[Chris From The Gulag]

Yep ... low millions are experiencing the same problems with social housing as chronicled in the main HOUSING thread.

https://www.carersuk.org/forum/news-and ... it=housing

Both channels 4 and 5 have run housing documentaries over the past year / 18 months ... some will be free to view on You Tube.

Have you sought advice from SHELTER , Linda ?

https://www.shelter.org.uk/

No one better to provide guidance on social housing problems.

[thara_1910]

Hi all, just wanted to share the knowledge that I have been told I could face a 15 year wait for a manchester council . house for me and my autistic child . They have advised me to go private, although landlords are under no obligation to do major adaptations which my son needs. I also face the uncertainty of not having a lifetime home as my son struggles with change. Thty have refused twice to assess his medical needs, and have admitted the problems I could face by going private, but they say, those who go to work , deserve a council house more than us, reflecting their attitude that a carer does not work.What private landlord will allow me to create an autism friendly home which is more complex than it sounds. All my friends are now preparing their homes for adulthood with extensions for sensory area, and wet rooms/walk in shower. However, the council do not think we are deserving of a home. Some of my friends with disabled children, have been in and out of private housing due to landlords selling up. However, the ones who have severely autistic children have the security oowneither their own home, or council property.. Can't understand why council's don't give a higher banding for families like these, and prioritize working families, who may be able to buy their own property, or shared ownership. These families, often get a council house and then buy it and reduce stock of houses. Priority needs to change as councils regard these families as a priority, when they are the ones who are more able to live in private, as their children will grow and live independently elsewhere, where as a carer, my son will always require lifelong one to one care

You have described my issue with social housing perfectly. My brother has bladder issues due to open spina bifida. Yet I think he will be able to live alone someday. But yes I understand your perspective. Since his birth we have had to physically alter the bathroom to accommodate his needs and insist on a wheelchair friendly flat as well. I fought hard.

This is not what I originally wanted. However I also frequently do tell myself it could be a lot worse. Maybe try making a fuss? Get your friends to basically campaign and petition the govermnent about this problem. It might actually work. And who says carers do not work? I work as a freelance writer and childcare provider. Consider writing a newspaper article on this matter. Sell it as a human interest story to grab their attention.

[Penny]

Linda .... are there any charities in your area which might help to prioritise your application?

My daughter has been on the list for over 3 years and a lady who has just started a small local charity for autistic young people is helping us now far more than social workers did. They said they could do nothing nor could the occupational therapist.

She has been in touch with the council and has just about persuaded them to put us into the priority band. I have had to provide all assessments, reports etc. So fingers crossed!

We want social housing because the rents are more affordable, the properties are well maintained and you don’t need a guarantor or a big deposit.

What about Autism UK?

[thara_1910]

Linda .... are there any charities in your area which might help to prioritise your application?

My daughter has been on the list for over 3 years and a lady who has just started a small local charity for autistic young people is helping us now far more than social workers did. They said they could do nothing nor could the occupational therapist.

She has been in touch with the council and has just about persuaded them to put us into the priority band. I have had to provide all assessments, reports etc. So fingers crossed!

We want social housing because the rents are more affordable, the properties are well maintained and you don’t need a guarantor or a big deposit.

What about Autism UK?

This makes me fear for the future. My goal is for my cared for person to be able to live alone when he is a adult. He is a toddler now. But the current mindset leaves me despairing. Why should it be this way? I’m going to try contacting a local housing association on Monday to see if they can help me.
I’ve been trying to find out about supported living and paid work opportunities on behalf of a 18 year old client I babysit who has a physical impairment only but to no avail. Good luck! I hope that you find a nice property. There are some nice apartments not far from my apartment in a park but when I asked to see them, I was told no.
How long does the process take Penny? Finding work is equally as hard. I’ve spent much of my time emailing local companies to see if there are any vacancies and checking job descriptions on company websites. Where does your daughter work?

[Penny]

We have had a call yesterday from the council asking my daughter and her boyfriend to take in ID so this was done this morning. I am hoping against hope that they get some good news soon because they have been on the list well over 3 years now. They have never asked for ID before.

[Chris From The Gulag]

They have never asked for ID before.

Modern day precaution , Penny.

Even tenancies ... bogus applicants ... would be tenants forced to apply by criminals ... rife on the housing estates in London and other cities for decades.

( I trust that it is , indeed , good news ... ? )

[thara_1910]

We have had a call yesterday from the council asking my daughter and her boyfriend to take in ID so this was done this morning. I am hoping against hope that they get some good news soon because they have been on the list well over 3 years now. They have never asked for ID before.

Standard precaution. Every time I buy a bottle of wine, I am asked for some sort of identification so I show my passport. Even when I go to work I need to take identification with me.

[Penny]

What I meant was .... I wondering whether there is an offer of a house in the pipeline. Why wait all these years for them to provide ID when they could have got this at the outstart. yes, I do understand that ID is necessary, I’m just wondering why now?

[thara_1910]

What I meant was .... I wondering whether there is an offer of a house in the pipeline. Why wait all these years for them to provide ID when they could have got this at the outstart. yes, I do understand that ID is necessary, I’m just wondering why now?

It does seem a tad strange. I'd call back on Monday to ask why?