Can the council rehome

deannagone

My neighbour, who is in a 3 bed property, retired, children left home, her husband died last year.  Soon after (its social housing) her housing officer visited her and was initially insisting she had to move out.  My neighbour told her there is only one way she's leaving the property, in a box.

The Housing officer backed off when she was met with this definite strong response.  However much she was insisting my neighbour had to move to a smaller place, there was nothing legally the council could do to 'make' my neighbour move.  It was all hog wash.  

I'd advise that if any such visit is arranged by housing, if you aren't confident in your father being able to cope with such tactics. it is ensured someone who can respond appropriately is present.

Basically, as long as he is up to date with rent etc, there's nothing the council can do to force him to move out on the basis of the property being too large.  You don't need to buy it.

Update: I looked up downsizing policy in my local borough's housing policy documents (just google '<borough name> downsizing policy').  My council's downsizing policy document makes it clear downsizing is voluntary, not forced.  However, my neighbour's HO had the opposite attitude lol. But looking up the policy for your borough will clarify if you need to have any concerns.

deannagone

The whole point of the thread is that he doesn't want to move.

macman

But in order to remain, he doesn't need to purchase the property.