Council housing London

[DianaXXX]

Iv been leaving in a one bedroom council flat for the past four years. Me and my boyfriend are On and of and with this attitude i don't even want him to stay around as my baby once born would need stability.
The issue now really is that, the flat that i live in is on a ground floor in a purporse build block with four flats downstairs and four upstairs. I'm downstairs in a middle of two neighbours. On one side I share the bedroom wall with an old neighbour of 80+ that smokes and drinks all day long and the smoke gets into my flat as the flats are small and the walls are thin. When I moved in 4 years ago he fell asleep with a fag and half of his flat got burned down so the council had to re do the whole flat including new windows. On the other side I have a mentally disable guy who makes noises at all hours of the night always poking his head in my windows and last year he nearly burned himself down as well, he has a mind of a 5 year old and no social worker or anything to help him with his issues which he clearly needs.
I was uncomfortable with these sort of neighbours for a while now but considered myself lucky for having a council flat, however now that I'm 26 weeks pregnant I am worried for the health and safety of my unborn child and i applied for rehousing. The council refused me on the grounds that's my reasons are insufficient. I'm really worried now & don't know what to do!
I think I should be rehoused to a safe environment and to a larger more suitable property for me and my child.
Any advise would help a lot, thank you for taking your time to respond x

You are right. That sounds bad, especially when you are not even working yourself. It's untrue that foreigners are favoured over others, too. They go through the homelessness process same as others and asylum seekers are not allowed to work.

Because im 6 month pregnant but I was working and in full time education till June!
Asylum seekers can work once granted stay, I just got a law degree!
And the procedure might be the same for new comers but they are treated a lot better than I personally was

Yes, because then they are no longer asylum seekers, but have ILR.

In the meantime, they are forced to take what housing they are offered, they don't have the option of private housing. I doubt they are offered swish flats in Camden.

Even while they are asylum they are housed straight away in temperary accommodation until the decision is made regarding their claim while they are getting benefits and it takes years in some cases.
My best friend was an asylum and I know from her how it works in practice not just theory that I have been studying

Well, of course they are housed! What are we supposed to do, put them in the street? You're housed, too.

And the benefits they get are a pittance.

I think we have gone of topic now!
Iv been housed in a hostel for 3 years prior to getting this flat and it was supportive too due to the violence and abuse so
Not exactly the same issue

I think mutual exchange or home swap is best option for you. The transfer list will take years and years as you are adequately housed.

Your flat sounds relatively desirable believe it or not - ground floor is a major asset and a small purpose built block is also sought after.

I don;t know what part of London you are in, but ground floor one beds are much sought after, usually for elderly and others that can't manage stairs.

You would have to expect a move to 1st floor and above but that might be worth the swap for a 2 bed.

Speak to the allocations officer (and housing officer) in the landlords/council office as they might know of tenants waiting on transfer list for a ground floor (usually because of mobility probs and they are currently 2nd floor or above). They could put you in touch with them to see if they are interested in swapping.

Also, view your flat in the same way as a seller would - make your flat as nice as poss internally, maybe redecorate, new carpets if you can stretch to that or at least get them professionally cleaned, de-clutter etc so it looks nice to a potential swapper.
Consider a financial incentive to a potential swapper, what is that second bedroom worth to you? Payment after tenancy swap agreed and you have moved.

and then advertise your flat - obviously, you don't give address just postcode, general area and your phone number - advertise GP surgeries, local PO, local shops, tescos etc - anywhere where an elderly person might see the ad and want to contact you - take normal precautions if any swappers come and look e.g.have someone else at home with you.
sell the flat/area etc.

also be open to moving out of your area, keep an open mind
good luck

Hi Molly
The problem is I have been on home swappers for two years and I live in a good area of London (southgate) perfect for someone who is old or just wants piece however in all the time iv been on home swapper the only two bedrooms that i have been offered is in horrible tower blocks in hackney and Edmonton where I wouldn't feel safe just going shopping in!
I know it's hard to get housing and I would be willing to to go higher than ground floor even with a child cat and dog but not a tower block in an area of full of crime
However you have given me some great advise on How to advertise my flat better never the less so thank you very much for that