Dbc 1 - Mot 0

gallygirl

Sorry P! You are an :A
MOT - hope you had a nice lunch. Here's hoping this week brings about a turnaround.

Glad someone picked up on Post of Month nomination - I woke at 4 this morning & realised I'd forgotten to tell you all :rolleyes:.

kisto

italian-tony wrote: »

Kisto, I've never heard of the social bookmarking sites you mentioned but please go ahead, MOT needs all the help she can get.

Cheers IT - will "stumble" it now

kiwi88_2

viktory wrote: »

I have read both threads and I know my post is not going to be popular. However, should we shy away from saying something that is pertinent because it is not a popular viewpoint? I think not.

MOT, I wish you and your family the very best for the future.

Hi Viktory
I hope Mot & IT don't mind if I reply

Firstly thanks for your post. Secondly most of what you've said has been brought up and discussed at length on the other thread and includes posts from people who have been/are now in a similar position and as usual opinions differed widely.

I however am not going to discuss any of the points not because I don't have an opinion but because it's all pretty much moot now as the ruling has been given and unless Mot's solicitor can find a point of law to appeal against then they have to abide by the ruling.

The position as it stands now is How can we help and support Mot, the twins and of course I-t and that is mainly why this second thread has evolved.

Once again thanks for your post as it's always good to have others opinions.

jillie1974

phew managed to read all of this one!
hope you are ok MOT
Pania have pm you.

jillie1974

thanks pania!

flower7

Originally Posted by viktory
I have read both threads and I know my post is not going to be popular. However, should we shy away from saying something that is pertinent because it is not a popular viewpoint? I think not.

No we should never shy from saying something just because it might not be popular because otherwise we don't live in a democracy (unless it is illegal to say).

I do find other views valid and this thread has probably become a bit one sided but if you read it all in detail you would understand why it has taken that turn. When I first started reading MOT's thread I also felt that she could have avoided the situation but the more I read I realised there was nothing more she could of done. If your housing benefit doesn't cover the amount of rent each month there is going to be a shortfall. You might pay all your rent but you still have to feed and clothe your children. I do feel MOT was suffering from depression from the start which is why the situation became worse and she did the right thing by calling out to others for help. Yes a particular council workers name probably shouldn't have been posted and they do a very hard job trying to find homes for people under government restrictions which they don't make themselves. As I recall MOT was very sympathetic towards this woman even commenting on some of the drunk rude, etc people the woman has to deal with, but MOT was not rude. To be honest I never thought the council would budge they made their first decision quickly and did not look at all of the circumstances probably because they are over worked. There was no way they would change the decision because it would set a precedent for others to have decisions overturned. MOT comes across as a wonderful woman who hit hard times and we pay our taxes to fill the void when these situations arise. What has become blatantly clear is anyone can get in this situation and there is no help. We are paying taxes that will not benefit working citizens when they need a leg up which is why the system was created. The rest of the country needs to stop wondering around with blinkers and recognise this problem. Our government has been getting away with this for too long not too mention all the other different problems they have created which cost more money in the long run but that would start 50 different threads. If MOT's plight is publicised fantastic I hope it gets her and her children a stable home and goes towards helping others in the future. Best of luck x

bank_of_slate

I too have nominated MOT for post of the month, having just read it all.

The film companies should be fighting over the rights to make a movie about this!!!!!
I know you will come out of this in the end MOT and your family will be the strongest ever!
You and your beautiful twins are an inspiration to all.
Pania,I have PM'd you
...Linda xx

saffronflowers

I have thought long and hard before posting this but I feel that both MOT and IT will understand why.

Yesterday was extremely long and extremly traumatic. On the plus side I do feel that the committee did whole heartedly listen to all the information that was presented to them and question both witnessess and IT and MOT with informed and considered questions. It was obvious that they had all read the paperwork supplied by the council to them prior to the meeting. I for one do not feel that they had made a predeterminded decision and started yesterday with an open mind to listen to all the information that was to be presented.

Having said that I do truly belevie that they came to their decision with the excess weight put forward by the HO on the credibility of a witness and financial matters that were ill constucted and using margins that were untenable. The HO did not consider the medical evidence as valid and did dismiss it when it came to discussing the finances.

I have reposted this for the benefit of some who may not have read it. I fully support MOT IT and the twins, though I feel that a note of caution does need to be placed on this thread.

MOT does have a few options availabe to her

1) Reapply for housing using psych report which the BC stated was her state of mind now therefore would be a new application with fresh evidence MOT has the supporting case law and facts

2) Speak to Social Services re Section 20 The Childrens act 1989 which gives them the power to give help by cash or kind citing the Human rights Act - Article 8 "the right to family to be as a whole

Sadly, her MP's hands are tied their is nothing he can do as the procedure has bben correctly followed even if we do not like the decision.

SFx

bank_of_slate

*BUMP*
We must not allow this to slip down the board!
...Linda xx

saffronflowers

Reviewing my notes and peices of info - this is interesting

3. Witnesses shall be present only when giving evidence unless both sides agree
otherwise. The Appellant’s and the Housing Department Representative will
however be present throughout the presentation of the case.

Sfx