I'm too young for Bungalows.

400charlotte

I currently live at home but want to leave. Housing rejected my first application and even though they knew I am disabled, I wanted independence, and told them about the horrible state of my current home, they didn't see the discrimination. To get on the list with my second application, they made me complete an OT assessment. The assessment stated I should live near home and have a bungalow for my safety, and that my current house is no longer fitting my needs. 

All bungalows in my area is for over 55s, if I want a bungalow, I'd have to move 10+ miles away. I've complained to thee council 3 times, and emailed one of our local housing assosiations with the most properties, but they dont care. Where do I turn now? If I complained to the Ombudsman, how can they help? The council say that landlords set their own restrictions and cant help. They did say one council is reviewing policies, but with no indication of if it will help.

400charlotte

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/910158#Comment_910158

Hi

Thank you for commenting. I'm not really sure why I bought up discrimination but I emailed someone at the disability law service and I believe I was discriminated against when they declined my first application without questions. They should have organised an OT assessment for my first application. I believe that the council believes this too as they offered me compensation. But I understand that they can't admit anything. I guess I feel the discrimination is ongoing. Although I know that I can't prove it.

I really do appreciate that housing is sparce. I see bungalows advertised and am frustrated that I can't bid. There is no extra care places near me either. I haven't explored joining other housing lists because I presumed there was only one. My social worker said they deal with the extra care lists, but I believe they're too far away too. She said I can't be on both lists.

I haven't contacted my MP or councillor but I think I will. Following my complaint, the council backdated my application so I've been on the list 2 yrs.

Thank you. I appreciate your reply.

Kimi87

I appreciate the OT recommended a bungalow, but is there a reason why a GF flat (say with a wet room) wouldn't also be suitable?

When I joined the list I thought long and hard about holding out for a bungalow. There are a few in the area but demand is so high I'd be waiting such a long time compared to flats.

I decided that wait was too long and bid on suitable flats instead. I was offered a really lovely one after 13 months. That surprised me because although I had medical points, I was band c which here is the lowest that you have a chance of success with.

Waiting time often counts for a lot so it's really good that they have now backdated your application to two years ago, and offered compensation.

Luchia

Have you requested a copy of the OT Report?

When I had an OT Assessment in 2022 they put that I needed a large bungalow with private front and back gardens.

I was placed in Band B Medical and after 13 weeks(6 weeks of bidding and 7 weeks for them to redecorate, fit adaptions, new kitchen, wet room etc) I got the keys to a lovely 2 bedroom Bungalow.

I’m only in my 30s but the OT put a age waver on the bidding account which allowed me to bid on the properties with minimum age restrictions so it might be worth checking the report to see if they have requested the waver for age restrictions.

400charlotte

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/910165#Comment_910165

thank you. To be honest, I wanted to avoid my MP as he's never been helpful when I've tried to ask for help. Even one of my councillors said he'd help me once, then ignored all emails. Won't hurt to try. Thanks you again.

400charlotte

There was a reason yes, part of it is that I need my own front door. I appreciate flats have that too. Sadly, where I live has a large aged 55+ population, most of the properties are for over 55s (I'd say out of every 100 adverts, 85-90 are for over 55s) and I've seen more bungalows up than flats with their own front doors. I can totally understand your points. And I do revaluate my options if the opportunity arises. But I feel like my options are to move over 10 miles away and be isolated or move into a flat not suitable for me.

400charlotte

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/910215#Comment_910215

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I have a copy. I'm so frustrated, housing made me have an assessment but won't accommodate it. Think I'll be trying the CAB.