Housing overcrowded

reece

Can anyone advise me. I have 2 children 14 and 16, boy and girl, my son has a disability and is awarded enhanced PIP for care and mobility, however the council will not acknowledge my sons disability and we are stuck in a 2 bed property. The council will only accept us on a transfer list for overcrowding but not acknowledge to my child’s disability or care needs. I have made several complaints but the response is I have adequate housing and can use a living room as a bedroom. Both my children’s mental health is affected but no one is able to help. Can anyone advise if I can do anything else. Ombudsman refused to help. Property is also in disrepair and having difficulty in getting this repaired 

poppy123456

Although not ideal but the house of
commons library also says that if the living room is large enough then it can be used as a bedroom when overcrowded. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/does-the-law-set-an-age-at-which-children-cant-share-a-bedroom/

Have you referred you child for a care needs assessment? This may help push you up the ladder for a bigger house. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

Vycky5124

So sorry to hear you are in this situation.   I’m 34, autistic and I’m sleeping on a sofa in a 1 bed flat that was already home to 2 adults (mom + step-dad) before I moved in.  With my autism and my step-dad’s serious eye sight condition, he has 1% eyesight, we could do with more space for everyone to store equipment and move about.   We approached the council for permission to build a lean-to style conservatory, the council aren’t giving permission to build one despite there being 2 disabled adults on the property.   We are considerably overcrowded and I am doing everything to get somewhere where I can have my own space - applying for flats, studio bed sits and rooms in HMO’s.   I work part time and my mother and I are sharing the same living space to get ready for work. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @reece

I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a battle with the council. I see Poppy and Biblioklept has given some great advice. I was wondering if you had reached out to anyone like Shelter for housing advice? 

@Vycky5124 Can I ask what the reason was the council wouldn't allow the extension? 

Vycky5124

The permission for an extension to my mum and step-dad’s flat was turned down by the council because, even though they are the owners of the flat - they own the inside of the property and the council own the outside area.   My mum e-mailed them asking them to re-consider but I don’t think the fact 2 disabled adults are living in a 1 bed property will convince them that easily - they told another family 7 people could fit in a 1 bed flat!