Denied bungalow due to age

[Bungano]

I've namechanged for this thread.

Myself and DP both have complex medical issues and are disabled. Both problems with mobility and I use a wheelchair.

Living in a house atm, and have been trying to move since May. Due to our medical needs a bungalow would be perfect, and we both have medical evidence and letters supporting our application.

However our local authority is telling us we can only have a ground floor flat. The issue with this is car to door and potentially some steps.

We are being told we cannot bid on a bungalow as there is an age restriction - you have to be 55+. AIBU to think this is discrimination?

I don’t think so.
If a ramp was provided for the step I can’t see what the difference would be.

There’s likely a shortage of bungalow type properties and so they’ve placed a restriction. Surely a groundfloor flat with a few steps can easily be modified if required?

Would a ground floor flat be ok if there were no steps and you could get the chair to the car?

I think bungalows are hugely in demand and are much rarer as council properties than flats are, sadly.

It's probably an age thing due to actual physical fitness which declines with age

No I don't think it's discrimination.

They'll make the necessary adaptions if there are steps.

Why would a bungalow suit your needs better than a ground floor flat?

I would think the council would be very mindful of discrimination so no, I am sure they have it covered.

There are circumstance where discrimination is allowed, might come under "proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim."

Sounds like a ridiculous rule and I would challenge it. An over 55 year old may or may not have mobility problems and would be eligible. You definitely have mobility issues and aren't? Doesn't make sense.

Is it because they only have bungalows available in specific over 55's housing schemes? with warden's/support staff etc

Given that the population is living longer, it makes sense to give any spare bungalows to older people.

If you need one when you're older OP, hopefully you'll get one then.

How can the local authority prevent you from buying a bungalow? Could you not get a stairlift fitted in your own house? What about a ground floor apartment?

cant see why you cant have a gff MOST dont havr steps! hence gf!

Sadly not uncommon. They will argue that they're making sure there are properties available for older people who need them - especially those who have sudden deterioration and need to move out of another property.

They are allowed to do this, but the underlying problem is a general lack of accessible housing, both council and private. I've even heard of councils adapting a house for one tenant, at great expense, and then ripping out the changes when they move out, instead of attempting to allocate it to someone with similar needs.

Problem with bungalows is that they usually have a garden that needs maintenance. I think the council are actually offering accommodation fit for purpose.

I honestly can't see the difference between a ground floor flat and a bungalow.

How can the local authority prevent you from buying a bungalow?

FFS really?

@JustwhatIneedednow Er, but plenty of people who have mobility problems or use wheelchairs also enjoy and are capable of gardening?

Yep the garden is an issue, why if you are both disabled would you want the stress of finding someone to look after a garden for you. We have a neighbour one of them has health issues the other fit so the garden is cared for. Next door to them a widow who lost her husband and had a hip operation go wrong, now has a gardener weekly to keep it up and she cannot even enjoy it these days, she would be better off in a flat.

Seems like a silly rule, they should allow people to apply based on need. Plenty of 55 year olds would be perfectly capable of living in a house with stairs for potentially decades.

But I doubt you’d be able to challenge it as being discriminatory based on age, because I think they’ll have checked and made sure they’re legally fine to do this.

As others have said the council will make the adaptations. On the plus side you won't have to worry about maintaining a garden with a flat as any outside space will be council tended. Is the issue you would 'prefer' a bungalow vs need one OP? I can totally see why this maybe the case but it doesn't mean you are eligible.

I know a couple who had this same issue, they appealed and won. Took almost 2 years though.

It does seem a bit of a daft blanket rule, but equally I can't see why a GFF is unsuitable?

Why wouldn't a ground floor flat serve your needs? I agree with the council.

I honestly can't see the difference between a ground floor flat and a bungalow.
bungalow is more desirable, no one above and a garden, wonder if thats the reason a gff “isnt suitable”

However our local authority is telling us we can only have a ground floor flat. The issue with this is car to door and potentially some steps

This is what OP said about why gff not suitable for them.