I need help!

[Mykidslovebluey]

We’re a family of 4 (2 adults,2 children) kids aged 9 & 5, our 9 year old is going through an autism assessment (she’s definitely autistic, but waiting to be formally confirmed) and she’s just started her period 😬
She currently shares a room with her brother but is getting increasingly frustrated (probably due to hormones, and the Autism won’t help) with not having her own private space and is lashing out at him quite frequently.
We’re in the East of England, and my question is, are we eligible for a bigger property from the council due to these reasons? I literally can’t leave them alone together! We aren’t currently on the housing register because there’s just no point in bidding on properties that are too small each week which is what we’re currently entitled to. We both work and claim no benefits, but cannot afford to privately rent. We’ve tried exchanging but obviously no one wants to downsize to a flat with no outdoor private space 🙄
Is it worth going to the council? Or will I just be wasting my time?
Thanks xx

It will depend on the policy of your local authority. You won’t be considered statutorily overcrowded as your daughter is under 10 and you could use your living room to sleep in. The rules are here https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/check_if_your_home_is_overcrowded_by_law Some authorities are more generous so your should check your council’s allocation policy. You may also, once your daughter is diagnosed or if a doctor will confirm that she cannot share, get some priority for health/disability, again check the policy.

Are you in social housing now? If you are could you look at a swap?

Thank you! We unfortunately can’t sleep in the living room as it’s open plan with the kitchen, and very small! We have looked at swaps with no luck :(