Council move, not entitled to HB and running up huge debts!

AimeesMum_2

Hi,

My family and I (10 week old baby, 3yr old and partner) were moved out of our council house by the police and the council due to severe harrassment and threats from our neighbour.

Initially we were put in a B&B and are now in a temporary accomodation flat while we are relocated.

I earn £27,000 a year and my partner is on long term incapacity. We are not entitled to HB but our rent has increased from £240 per month to £964 because of the move. We simpy can't afford to pay this and we are running up huge debts! If we were removed from our house at no fault of our own are we liable for all this rent. We are also paying £100 to have our household goods in storage and £400 to put our dog in kennels...don't know where to turn for help

Indie_Kid

Debts aren't taken into account for benefits. Have you looked on the debt free wannabe and old style boards?

AimeesMum_2

sh1305 wrote: »

Debts aren't taken into account for benefits. Have you looked on the debt free wannabe and old style boards?

Sorry I meant that I am getting into huge arrears at the council in unpaid rent as I cant afford the £950 for the new property.

Jowo_2

Is this a private flat or a social housing temporary flat?

Have you checked the maximum LHA you could get on the LHA Direct website and then run all your household figures through the Turn2us online benefit calculator to see if you can retain any of the LHA? What is the LHA entitlement for the size/make up of your household versus the rent being charged?

Phone Shelter asap for advice on your rights and options.

nannytone_2

£950 a month for a council property? where the hell is it?

AimeesMum_2

It's a scatter flat that the council own. Apparantly the rent is so high because it comes with support and people come to check on us and stuff every week. We don't need the support though. Yeah tried that one and entitled to and we are entitled to no help.

nannytone_2

why dont you look for a private rental. would probably be cheaper!

AimeesMum_2

nannytone wrote: »

£950 a month for a council property? where the hell is it?

In an absolute dive in Fife. It's homeless accomodation x

AimeesMum_2

We were told that unless we stay here we would lose our homeless points which we need to get rehoused. I also don't think it's fair to have to move back into private letting when we were moved out of our own council home through no fault of our own

Jowo_2

The rent is shocking and I think you should call Shelter and consider contacting your MP.

Can you take your dogs out of the kennels?

What's your total household net income - we know your expenses are astronomical - I estimate that your income could be more than 2k per month due to your net income of approx £1700 per month, plus child benefit and IB. Your current rent is totally unaffordable anyhow - paying 50% of income on rent alone is a terrible ratio that would trigger financial problems in many households, without the additional storage/pet expenses, too.

AimeesMum_2

Our total income is £1750 per month wages, £404 incapacity benfit, £120 CB and £400 CT & WTC as based on last year when I wasn't earning anywhere near as much. So in total about £2,500.

We contacted MP but not much help...just told to pay as much as we can and the council will accept repayment plan later