Housing Benefit Changes And Stupid Council

Geordie_Lassie

I an affected by the new housing benefit rules. I am currently in a large two bedroomed house by myself. I contacted my housing authority offering to move to a smaller council flat. I filled in the application and waited for the inspection.
The house was inspected and I was told the back room and my bedroom ceiling needed painting but that was all. I explained that I have a trapped nerve in my neck which severly restricts what I can do but they were not interested.
Today I got the "to do" list from them. Its gone from one room and a ceiling to a full house decoration. I am furious. First off they are aware of my health problems and secondly they lied to me about what needs done. Plus I am on JSA and I have no idea how I will afford the extra paint. I have managed one wall which has taken 3 days and I am already on my maximum pain killers.
If they are so desperate for houses why are they making it so hard for me to move and putting my health at risk.
Rant over

miduck

Does the work need doing? Can you not get a friend to help you? That is what someone in a private let would have to do ...

Dunroamin

At least you've got time to do the work as you're not working and will be saving money in the medium/long term.

BigAunty

Did you get the flat in an immaculate condition?

Your council should have published a tenants handbook on their website, plus you should have a tenancy agreement that details your responsibilities. Between them, you should be able to see if you are responsible for the decoration.

If you are not, then contact your MP - they are there to serve you and should be notified if the council are putting up arbitrary barriers.

midnight_express

I wouldn't bother rushing, there is a big shortage of one bedroom flats.

Geordie_Lassie

BigAunty wrote: »

Did you get the flat in an immaculate condition?

Your council should have published a tenants handbook on their website, plus you should have a tenancy agreement that details your responsibilities. Between them, you should be able to see if you are responsible for the decoration.

If you are not, then contact your MP - they are there to serve you and should be notified if the council are putting up arbitrary barriers.

The decoration in the house is the same as it was when i moved in.

Geordie_Lassie

miduck wrote: »

Does the work need doing? Can you not get a friend to help you? That is what someone in a private let would have to do ...

I have asked friends but no one will help me and my only family live at the other end of the country.

miduck

Geordie_Lassie wrote: »

I have asked friends but no one will help me and my only family live at the other end of the country.

Then just do it bit by bit, as you are feeling well enough. It doesn't need to be done overnight.

Geordie_Lassie wrote: »

The decoration in the house is the same as it was when i moved in.

Then have you questioned why it needs doing? How long have you lived there?

BigAunty

Geordie_Lassie wrote: »

The decoration in the house is the same as it was when i moved in.

How long ago did you move in?

dandelionclock30

Get one of those paint rollers on a pole for high up areas. Also visit a community paint supplier to get the paint cheap.

harveybobbles

One of the HA's near where we live are offering tennants upto £500 to move to a smaller property. This money is for help with costs associated with moving. Van hire etc.

Ask your Council if they have a handy help department that could do some of the work for you.

But I'd write to them to ask how they made their decision and appeal it.