Embarrassed about housing

Green_garnet · 26 January 2020 at 11:06AM

I thought most of the information was in the previous posts, Jonathan. Sorry. I have been away, unwell, for a while. I have had a lot of help and good information/encouragement from many here including stingey #28 and #44 Skiddaw1 who have a lot of specific experience.

The SAR highlighted how differently the Council had recorded things - to my detriment - including lies. I was in the minority, not believed and the complaint was not upheld.

Sorry - I did not mean to be secretive - just discreet because of my unstable health.

I have to accept the consequences of unsuitable housing. This would not happen if I had been treated according to the high standard af service the Council claims to provide. They chose to cover it up.

Apologies.

Green garnet

NewShadow · 26 January 2020 at 12:02PM

Green_garnet wrote: »

I have to accept the consequences of unsuitable housing.

Hi Green garnet,

If I may, I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult time and a recent period of ill health.

Unfortunately no-one can change what's happened but, while it may feel unjust and bitter - sometimes all we can do is take heart in what we can change moving forwards.

Please correct me if I'm mistaken:

- you still own a property that you think can generate in the region of £65k... that means, if you need to make an immediate move for your wellbeing, you can release that cash and pay for a rental flat in a better area. I know that's your life savings and not a desirable outcome, but it does mean you're not trapped where you are forever and do have the option if you need to move.

- at the same time, are you still on the list for a lovely retirement flat? It might be worth phoning them and asking for a rough idea of how often the flats exchange hands and what position on the list you are - that might give you a 'light at the end of the tunnel' if you can have a rough idea of how long you might be waiting. Sometimes, just knowing there's a timeframe on a situation makes it easier to bear.

- at the same time, can keep your eyes open for a little affordable flat in an acceptable area? If you set up alerts on rightmove, they can email you when affordable properties come onto the market. If I were you, I'd listen to ACG and have a conversation with a broker as to what your actual budget would be/what options you have - if you can sell your current property to give you a hefty deposit, then use something like a lifetime mortgage on your new property, you might end up affording something closer to £90k as a secure home for life. Only you can decide if that's the right option for you, but - as an outsider - it sounds like it might be worth a conversation...

I know things are really tough right now, and that you might not have the mental space to consider how you want to move forward, but I hope this has been some help in showing that you do have options and aren't simply subject to the whims of your local council

I also hope that you'll continue to post here and grow to feel more comfortable asking question of the amazing posters who just want to help you find the best outcome for you.

Whatever you choose - Best wishes,

NS

HampshireH · 26 January 2020 at 4:45PM

Good advice from New Shadow above

Green_garnet · 26 January 2020 at 7:23PM

Thank you for these encouraging and positive replies and to New Shadow for such detail. (Skiddaw1 sent a pm reply and I have responded, thank you.)

What you say makes very good sense although I think I have exhausted most of the options. A rental flat would probably give me the same type of difficulties I have in my present flat - mostly sublet, all different landlords, high turnover of tenants and problems associated with people seeming, by their behaviour, not to care about neighbours or the property.

There would be no security - security and a level of protection would be available in Council Sheltered Housing. - that is what two different doctors have recommended for me.

The Bield flats turned out to be too difficult as not anywhere close to where I am at present and a different town altogether - two bus journeys of about 1hour 40 minutes and a walk each way from my next of kin who is elderly, not in good health and lives alone. He has one bedroom and I can sleep in his living room temporarily. At present he is only a short walk from my flat.

The Bield flats had a Warden or Caretaker and looked lovely. The waiting list was not long but depended solely on someone moving out and there was a low turnover of flats. If there I would need new GP, new local support services and would have difficulty getting to local hospital and other appointments.

In my 70's, with longstanding mental and some physical health problems. I have spoken to a Financial Advisor who agrees that, in my circumstances, it would be an unlikely option for me - he was good about it and had a lot of experience. I have a secure although low income and no mortgage to money from the flat would be cash. Thankfully I have no debt.

My flat (Home Report) should sell for £65,000 - a lot of money to me although not enough to buy anything suitable and better than I have at present. Problem is my inability to cope and high turnover of tenants as I mentioned above. I am on Rightmove and Zoopla for alerts and, so far - although it is early days, I have not had any replies. My budget is probably too low.

The positive thing is that I am not a bitter person - that would destroy me and would not change the behaviour of the very hurtful staff in the Housing Department. I am so upset by them but I wish them no harm. The MP said there were problems in my area with the Housing staff and I am the third person she has tried to help recently - she works very hard and is well respected locally.

I have spells of being really low and, I am grateful that today has been better. I still hope to sell my home as I have no peace to live here and it is making me worse.

Thank you again for being good enough to reply. It is really appreciated.

Green garnet

iammumtoone · 26 January 2020 at 8:22PM

I am sorry for your troubles and difficulties.

You seem to have your heart set on council housing. Whilst yes this is secure and you wont see different tenants moving in and out every month on the flip side of this if you get a problem neighbour (which can be common in council accommodation depending on the area) it means they too are unlikely to move any time soon.

You say you don't want to move too far from your next of kin but even if you get a council house this could be just as far away as the retirement accommodation and you would have to take it.

In your shoes I would seriously look at retirement accommodation again it seems it would fit your needs - no problem neighbours and security. I'm going to be harsh when I say you need to think of what its best for you and not what is best for others, I am sure they will understand that.

Green_garnet · 26 January 2020 at 9:00PM

Thank you iammumtoo... The Bield flats are lovely. I would lose so much by moving so far away from everything familiar to me. The sheltered housing is carefully monitored by a Warden. aThere is rarely anti social behaviour and it is what has been recommended for me on health grounds - not enough priority points at present although I am on the list.

Big decision but I was really unwell and cannot live here much longer as it is making me so much worse. This has built up badly in two years and I need relief from this pressure. When/if my flat sells I'll know how much is left for the next home and I am hanging on to see if it is realistic and possible.

Because today has been better it is easier to focus on the realistic possibilities but when low I can barely describe how hopeess it feels. I have no ulterior motive and would love to be well.

Thank you very much.

Green garnet

Green_garnet · 7 June 2020 at 4:18AM

UPDATE: Thank you for all your replies and encouraging help.
With medical, and other intervention, I was reassessed and given maximum points with priotity for sheltered housing. I had become really ill. The Council awarded me sheltered housing and I moved in within a few days of receiving the keys.
I continue to receive professional and other help and, although I am exhausted and on more medication than I would like, I now have peace to live in my new home and I will get better in time.

My heart goes out to everyone suffering and in dire straits, especially with this awful Covid-19 crisis. For me personally the lockdown, in a place of such safety, is a wonderful mercy. Thank you to everyone who replied.
Green garnet
.

[Deleted User] · 7 June 2020 at 5:04AM

Green_garnet said:

UPDATE: Thank you for all your replies and encouraging help.
With medical, and other intervention, I was reassessed and given maximum points with priotity for sheltered housing. I had become really ill. The Council awarded me sheltered housing and I moved in within a few days of receiving the keys.
I continue to receive professional and other help and, although I am exhausted and on more medication than I would like, I now have peace to live in my new home and I will get better in time.

My heart goes out to everyone suffering and in dire straits, especially with this awful Covid-19 crisis. For me personally the lockdown, in a place of such safety, is a wonderful mercy. Thank you to everyone who replied.
Green garnet
.

Thanks for the update @Green_garnet I'm glad your housing situation has improved.