Will my local Mp help with my council housing problem?

[ririd94]

Hi guys,
I need a bit of advice. I'm a young single woman living with my mum at the moment and i'm on the housing register with my local council (in london) but i'm in band D at the moment. I have significant mental health problems and I have sent letters to the council from my gp and other medical professionals to no avail of being made a medical priority.
I have since been in contact with my local mp and they have written a letter to head of housing with my local council and I wondered if it would make a difference to my case? Has anyone got any experience with their local mp helping with housing issues?
I should also mention:
A. I'm not going to get my mum to kick me out and make me homeless as that will not make my mental health any better
B. I can't afford private renting, i'm on benefits
C. I have exhausted all other options shelter, CAB, councillors etc.
D. I dont have any children
Thanks in advance!

Depends what part of london. The majority of properties advertised where I am are one bed flats. (Hardly any 3+ beds)

Op will surely still be the lowest possible priority (no children)?

I just assumed as I am in a pretty bad situation and that moving from my current residence would be the best thing and really and truly the mp thing was a last resort. Obviously I havent conveyed the severity of my situation (not for sympathy but just a bit of back story) but even so, I have the answer that I was looking for even if its not the one I wanted so I guess that's it

Were they not supposed to be rolling out the shipping container homes in London for homeless people?

What happened to that scheme?

(Note: NOT suggesting it for OP, who has a home, if less than ideal)

Yes, our MP helped us so much. I do not want to go into our situation as I will out myself should anyone I know read this.

Even with our MP’s help, our house being condemned and being the top of the housing list it still took several months for us to be housed because I have both mental and physical health problems, we needed to be housed in a bungalow or a house with a full bathroom downstairs. We also have 2 dd’s.

I totally get it. It's the way the housing situation is now. There are people who are in more desperate need than me (not that I didnt know that before) but I can see now that even if I am in dire straits, its not satisfactory enough to be housed.
Its is indeed sad but true

You shouldn't give up OP. I'm sorry if my post was negative but it was hard seeing my friend in such a tough situation. I hope your MP can help speed things up or signpost you to other organisations that can help. You should go and see Mind as well, as they are good at advocating for their clients. Stay strong and keep on trying.

I won't give up but I do need to be more realistic about things going forward, I know that now.

Op. You don’t need to give up but find another way . Whether a restraining order . Training or education to get you to the point you can rent a bedsit or room in shared house . May be easier leavingLondon . I don’t know enough about your situation to make specific suggestions . Not sure what you can can’t do . Therapy to help you move forward .

So are you bidding each week for property OP?

missmollyhadadolly you can bid for years in other areas and not get anything, it’s proportional and not easier in provincial areas with 5000 on the list and 40 properties a week - computer says no

I repeat. Your MP will not be able to speed things up or signpost you. He/she will just waste time. If you need advice, go direct to the council.

Thing is

Does the homeless person get a one bed place or op who has a home?

Who would you think needs a home

You say you want council housing as your abuser lives v close. But council accommodation in same borough could also be close to your abuser surely. And moving away could be achieved by your mum moving house. Would she consider moving house with you? Is your relationship with her good?

I guess nothing. I'm fighting a battle as much as everyone else is on the list and we've all got our own problems. This has never been a post where I felt like only I should get moved and everyone else should stay on the list, of course I think that a homeless family is in the utmost need before me but I can only speak on a personal level about my needs even if they aren't viewed as 'priority' and there's no harm in asking others for their advice

Was your GP really prepared to recommend you be moved up the housing ladder due to medical need? Even though you currently live at home??

My point is bidding every week isn't going to change how quickly she will get a place. It will still be years.

I don't get to bid for homes where I am.
Also, my gp was 100% willing to recommend that I be moved up because they have the whole picture e.g the abuse,my home life etc. I feel like I got what I needed from this thread so thanks for all your answers.

Missmolly but if op isn’t bidding then council will tell mp that and mp will back away and tell op to be pro active - job done in MPs case

How are houses allocated where you are, then?

That's fair enough and true. Not heard of any councils not having a bidding system in london. What borough is this?? Just out of interest.
My council use to just allocate houses to who they thought was most suitable (no bidding) but that was a very long time ago. Been bidding system for about 10-15 years now.

She’s band d.... how can she bid? On what?

I'm sorry that housing provision is so shit in London. It's a scandal. Wishing you all the best OP. I hope something turns up soon.

What does Band D entitle you to?