Unsuitable housing and council not changing banding

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energyautie

For the last two years I have been fighting Brighton council to change our banding as my son 6.5 (size of a 9 year old) are living in a first floor one bedroom flat. I am a single mum and my son has complex needs, he’s autistic, has sensory processing difficulties, has significant movement disorder and potentially has CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment). He’s very demand avoidant and some days we can get stuck indoors and in the confined space can be very overwhelming for both of us. 

The private rental market is so expensive and a lot of agents won’t take us because of housing benefits. The council have said I can move out of Brighton to get a cheaper property but logistically its a nightmare because I would lose all the services I have been fighting for the last few years if I move to a different council.

i can’t cope with another winter in a one bedroom flat... HELP? 

Do do I have any legal rights? 
Is there any help I can get? 

kami24

Surely you should be top priority if your son is vulnerable and has autism. Sorry to hear its unsuitable. Many vulnerable people are let down still even today in England. I lived in a horrible bedsit which was dangerous as well as small and polish people upstairs all day banging around and partying to all hours so i know how home situations can affect your life. Keep going to the council but try the CAB first if you have done all you can with the council. There is legal advice out there but may not be gov funded anymore as changed last year i think. If where you live is 'causing psychological distress or aggravating it' then I think you can definitely disagree with council and appeal in writing about banding as well.