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?

Dont be too sure they will make adaptations for a ramp. DH was refused one.

I can't offer much advice OP (I wish I could) but it might be an idea to contact your MP? Some are obviously better/more caring than others but my MP is very good with social issues so you might have a good one who will be able to fight your corner.

"Self ID as two 56 year olds"

@belfastbosoms we did all that DH was still refused a ramp.

he has a shed outside now to store and charge his mobility scooter in.

but that was after they placed a tort notice in the hallway saying he needed to get rid of the scooter or they would take it and destroy it,

the shed was provided after i started exposing what was going on on social media,

this is an HA

Helena what was the reason for him
Being refused a ramp? In many cases they can't be fitted (i.e.gradient is too steep)

Shouldn't you be asking these questions of the LA? Haven't they explained their reasons at all?
If not I would be asking for answers and then take the information to shelter, the housing charity.
They will give you advice on what your options are eg appealing.

And Helena no of course it shouldn't be assumed that adaptations can be made, that needs to be established before a property is accepted. And then, accepting that there may be a long wait for it to be completed after a tenant has moved in.

I mean specifically why they only allow over 55's to have bungalows.

its ridiculous to base it on age. I have a female friend who is 66 still working and having a whale of a time on dating sites (she owns her own home . im just using her as an example of how stupid it is basing it just on age)

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"

That's my take, too. The function is the same; it's the aesthetics that are different.

I don't know whether it's legal, but it doesn't seem fair- age doesn't trump disability as a protected characteristic when considering discrimination. Do you have any way to appeal, or ask for support from e.g. health acre professionals?

the reason is because it encourages people over 55 to leave their 3 bedroom council houses so families can move in - its like a game of tetras. it does seem unfair but it is probably trying to balance a whole issue. Question though - what is access like in the ground floor flat? internally & externally? ie how easy is it for access into the flat - will you have somewhere to keep a mobility scooter that is secure & easy to access? what are the corridors like & the doorways can the bathroom & kitchen be made accessible? If they cant & the bungalow can be, than I think you do have an argument

A friend of mine aged under 55 has just been allocated a bungalow, it has about 12 very narrow steps up to the front door and a steep rockery garden. A bungalow is no less likely to have steps than a ground floor flat.

Most housing associations have an age restriction on bungalows 55 is good as i know my local authority its 60

Bungalows are horrible and beige. A flat is infinitely better.

Helena FFS she would not be allocated a bungalow. It won't be allocated JUST on age.

I don’t see how they can reasonably refuse to add a ramp/make other accessibility adaptations?

Bungalows that are built for elderly disabled people usually have much wider corridors and bigger bathrooms to accommodate internal wheelchairs and a carer. I know because a relative of mine was only able to stay at home by being in one. He could not walk at all and needed an electrical piece of equipment to help him stand up for a transfer. He also needed space to keep the equipment carers needed to care for him. This was cheaper than the LA paying for a care home place.

MrsWhiskers they can't. It's just not always possible.

They can refuse to add a ramp if there is not enough space for one or it is a listed building. Plenty of people though have foldable ramps or ramps that are not part of the actual structure.

I know of many ground floor flats where you can park your car outside the front door, most have allocated parking right outside (or they do here)? I guess it depends what area you live in, we don’t have large flat blocks here but all newer flats have parking, no steps and wide doors.

And there is a big difference from needing a wheelchair outside, but being able to walk inside; to not being able to walk at all. I have been in the former position for long periods of time and did not need a bungalow.

I'm a bit rusty as I've not worked in this field for decades.

It was always the job of the Social Services Community Occupational Therapist, through Adult Services, to put a case to housing department on behalf of tenants with disabilities.

This would include giving a description of the needs of the client. The prognosis and how this might affect provision in the future and describe the best type of provision for housing, including adaptations.

This might include a wet room if required, adaptations to steps and accessibility.

We often had the age rule stated, but with discussion and medical back up usually the client ended up with the most appropriate housing.

Have you had a full assessment from an Occupational Therapist from Adult Services? You can self refer.

Many bungalows are for 55+ .. Sometimes.. 50+

Who the heck would want a GFF over a bungalow?

Most bungalows are in nice areas (or okayish areas!) and many flats are in average or shitty areas. Often in high rise blocks - or 3 or 4 levels blocks. They often have loads of yobbos hanging around, and often have lots of young people and couples in them. You will have someone above, and the sound of people trundling up and down the stairs, and also the sound of the lifts! And in addition, many of them will not have parking closeby, and it can be several minutes walk.

Bungalows have a garden, they are often in residential areas, they have no-one above you, and are often in an area where there is other older people and disabled people, making it (usually) more quiet and calm. Not a guarantee! But more likely.

@Bungano have you tried either other social housing landlords (like other housing trusts and housing associations?) OR what about trying for a slightly obscure area... I know a couple who were in a 2 bed private rented house, and she had/has a chronic illness. Because they had a downstairs loo, they failed on medical grounds for a bungalow, but the council said 'you can have a flat though!'

They also said they were too young for a bungalow anyway (at 48!) So she registered with another borough, who had more rural properties that were hard to let because they had no public transport or shops or services.. doctors/dentist/pharmacy.

Within 6 months of registering, she was offered a 2 bed bungalow in a village. 63 properties in the whole village, and around 175 people. It has only a postbox, a Church, and a pub. No shops, no public transport, and no facilities.... The people who run the Church organise hobby groups and events, and it's a lovely little community.

Her and her DH said 'this will do for now' and planned on swapping/transferring to a busier, more convenient area, but within a few months, they loved it so much, they decided to stay. There is very little there and no public transport, but they are only 3 miles from the closest town.

They got it so quick because they were the only one bidding on that property that week. The properties in villages like this are hard to let, because there is very little there, but as I said, it's only 3 miles to town.

Would that be an option maybe??? It may not be ideal, but it would get you on the social housing ladder... If you find it too rural you can put in for a transfer.