thanks hun. this is a copy of the letter sent to mp - what do ya think?
As explained in my earlier email, I am writing to you regarding a situation that has arisen with the council regarding my tenancy, which they are trying to end due to housing benefits not having gone through.
I moved into the property on the 7th May, 5 days after the birth of my son. A single, working parent, although I claim no other benefits money is tight, I did apply for help with the cost of my housing. The council?s calculator worked this out to roughly 95% of my costs, along with working tax credits.
Initially the problem with the claim was that working tax credits did not go through quickly enough, however a second woman took over my h.b. claim and as so often happens, communication was not effective between the departments meaning that I have had to resubmit certain information. The only thing now outstanding is a certificate of earnings from my employer.
Because of previous problems as a young adult I am classed as a vulnerable adult (I suffered from depression), and was priority need for housing as a result of both this and as a result of having my son. Apparently my Housing Officer (Sarah Baxter) is aware of this, as she was also aware of the fact that I may go slightly behind on the rent whilst I waited for these claims to go through however this was not taken into consideration, as apparently it is policy to serve notice to quit in these situations.
A meeting is arranged to discuss this with miss Baxter on Monday 10th at 11, however even if there is a favourable outcome, having spoken with many other parents in similar situations to my own, I am not the only person going through this or a case like it. I feel that it is disgraceful that it is par for the course to threaten the security and stability of the most vulnerable members of society in this manner. I am not a couple or even individual who has chosen to default on the rent, nor am I one of life?s spongers who floats past thinking the world owes them a living and neither are most of the people who are applying for or receiving this help. I am simply a young woman with a small child trying to work her way through the maze of beaurocrasy that seems to be the most prominent element to all of this. I feel council policy should change and that pressure should be placed on the departments to improve efficiency and the manner in which these cases are dealt with.
Thank you for your speedy response in this matter and I will speak with you shortly to let you know the outcome of the issue.