Rehousing recommendation from occupational therapy

hello01
hello01 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in Housing and independent living

Hi All,

I am looking for other people knowledge and experiences with anything similar to what my family and I are currently experiencing. Some background - we live in a one bedroom, third floor flat. It’s me, 28, 3 children aged 3, 2 and 2. We are on the council housing list eligible to bid on 3 beds since my twins were born. We’ve been bidding for almost 3 years and are now placing around mid to early 20’s. We are down as band b1 medical and overcrowding based on any medical reports we have had and sent in previously.
One of my children has high medical needs including global development delay, autism, sensory processing issues, severe sleep issues, feeding issues and currently not able to walk and we have recently had an occupational therapy housing assessment. They have agreed our home is unsuitable for various reasons and our home is unable to to meet my child’s needs and is directly impacting his development and wellbeing of him and my other children. They have recommended a few pieces of equipment which we just don’t have the space for so have had to sadly turn this down. They have also confirmed our open plan living room and kitchen is not considered a safe place for any of our family to sleep due to risks (e.g extreamly low windows, oven etc). The OT report was complete last week and sent off to our council. They recommended rehousing, they also said my child needs their own room along with the equipment recommendations etc.

My question is is there anything else we can do to help us move? What is the process after the report is submitted?

I am struggling severely with the daily struggle.

Thank you!

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,770 Championing

    You can ask the Council to reassess your application based on the new evidence.

    This may or may not result in increased priority.

    I don't think there is much more you can do at this point other than continue to wait and bid.

    Unfortunately social housing is in extremely short supply with extremely high demand, and there will be other families with more priority or a longer time already spent waiting ahead of you. The Council cannot offer you a property if one physically isn't available.

    It's great that you are now placing in the mid/low 20's, you will be successful it will just take more time.

  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Online Community Member Posts: 3,064 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/140268/rehousing-recommendation-from-occupational-therapy

    I'm sorry for your struggles @hello01.

    I am no expert in housing. However, I would check with your council this week whether they've now received the OT report.

    I would ask them what the process is now, even if that just helps manage your expectations.

    Are your (low) windows safe? Have they got locks on/restricted opening? If they have not, I would be asking the council to sort that ASAP. I am certain they have a duty to be accommodating you and your children in a safe environment.

    Depending when you sent medical reports I would send them again. I would be 'on their case'.

    Regardless of the waiting list you may be re-banded; depending how 'on the ball' your council are, nudging them along won't harm your application.

    If you are not re-banded I would contact your local MP for support, particularly if you feel it is unsafe (corroborated by the OT report perhaps) and not being able to facilitate the equipment needed for your child/children.

    Sorry to state the obvious but it needn't be your concern at how many are on the list - your priority is you and your children and their safety. You may well be placed as a greater priority. Good luck and warmest wishes.

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