AIBU to be upset at the council?

[TurtlesAreAwesome]

Sorry, this is likely to sound like a rant, but here goes...

I've been registered as homeless for a year and I've been living in the temporary accommodation that was offered for nearly 6 months. They promised to do the repairs soon after I've moved in. They've not done anything. I've got a 2 month old baby in a severely damp, cold house, where I can't take a shower (due to broken doors, mouldy and broken shower unit). I was meant to be having disability rails installed but they decided they can't be arsed doing that either. The occupational therapist said in September that the house is unsuitable.

The midwives and health visitor weren't happy that I was stuck in a house in such a state of disrepair on top of a massive hill when I've got a disability. So my housing officer offered me somewhere else (another temp) back in November. I've never actually been allowed to move into there, despite her promising it will be definitely before Christmas.

Basically the damp is getting worse and half of my door fell in yesterday. I called up the council before and they said there's another temporary place that they can't get rid of over 10 miles away, but I wouldn't be moved back to the area in which I'm living in and is on quite a rough estate where I'd stick out like a sore thumb and be very isolated.

Am I being unreasonable to be upset that other people are being offered things that would have been suitable for my daughter and I and they're just trying to get rid of somewhere on me and not letting me move into the place where I was offered?

He said that he will get in touch with the landlord and tell him/her that the repairs need doing.

Turtles I've just quickly skimmed though apologies if it's been answered but you do get income support when you get DLA.

With the disability premium on it would be £300-£360 a fortnight depending on your DLA/PIP rate.

Turtles what a shitty time you're having and some posters have been bloody awful towards you, yet you've remained polite. You've received lots of good advice and I agree with previous posters who have said that you need to keep on at it, make sure you ring every day; the council, your local mp, get everyone who helps/deals with you/your case to keep on too. Good luck OP and I hope your LO feels better soon

I'll try emailing my MP more. Apparently, my point are really good, but it's just the lack of availability. My housing officer told me earlier (she answered on the fourth attempt of calling her) that she has put my name forward for an available property which is local. I don't hold out much hope, but at least it's something.

I'm always as pleasant as possible, I'm actually probably a bit of a pushover!

Fingers crossed turtles

I know there have been some nasty replies, but fortunately, most people have been pleasant and supportive. If I get nasty, I'm only bringing myself down to the same level as the keyboard warriors.

I'm on ESA, not Income Support, but I do get the disability premium. I don't need to transfer to another benefit, but my child tax credit does need to be sorted out, however I'm waiting to hear from them.

I didn't get anywhere with the council and ended up borrowing from family to afford private rent. I could only afford a one bedroom place so DS was in with me until he was 4. It wasn't a bad situation really and eventually my situation improved enough to afford a 2 bed ground floor flat. I also have disabilities and live in an expensive area. Your DD will not suffer for sharing a room with you. My council didn't give children rooms of their own until they turned 3 anyway. I do have to work and am not eligible for PIP, but over the past 7 years things have improved so much.

You sound incredibly strong and you've had good advice here. Keep bending ears wherever you can and take what is offered if you can compromise enough to make it work. It's unlikely you'll ever get HB to fully cover your rent, I never have and I also live in an expensive area where the LHA doesn't match the rents. So you'll have to claim whatever you can and when baby is old enough start working, but ignore the people telling you to do that now - DD will benefit far more with you fighting for you both for now. You can look into working when you've got things more sorted and settled.

I'm a disabled parent. I honestly can't imagine having to deal with DV and homelessness on top of it. You deserve a bloody medal

Have you spoken to women's aid at all? Can't hurt to have another agency on side :)

Jamie i apologise for being personal on here.

It sounds to me like you are doing the best you can under incredibly difficult circumstances

Ah sorry turtles. There can be a bit confusion about DLA/PIP being a none means tested benefit.

Oh and of course YANBU.

Well done for not biting back, I really hope you get sorted soon

Sometimes seeing your representatives in person is more effective than a letter. Does your MP, AM or local councillor hold a surgery? Could you get an appointment at it?
Not easy with a small baby and mobility issues I know, but seeing you might bring that home to them and get them to take action more quickly?
Good luck.