Council House Downsizing

spike274

My mother is 75 years old and currently living in a three bedroom council house and she requested a transfer to a flat in sheltered housing and has been offered to view one but not yet accepted. (Both properties are under the same council).

1. I have heard that some councils may compensate her for downsizing. I realise every council is different but what’s the best way to go about asking for this?

2. There are no carpets, curtains or furniture in the new flat and I have heard that the council can occasionally give decorating vouchers. Anybody know anything about these?

All comments on the above or anything else which may be relevant would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much in advance for your help and advise.

MrsKelly_2

Some councils do pay for people to give up big houses for smaller ones but not all, but they should give your Mum priority to move wherever she wants to. Contact the council to see if they do compensate for it, Most councils give decorating vouchers but usually only to new tenants and not for a transfer but this would usually only cover paint or wallpaper, brushes etc not carpets or furniture.

Conor_3

Just a bit of information sort of related...

If you are moving from one council accommodation to another, you can claim housing benefit on both whilst you move, contrary to what people would have you believe. All you've got to do is ask them as they won't volunteer the information. Just done this when we moved my gran as the new place had been occuppied by heavy smokers and took 3 weeks to clean and decorate.