Hou

[Rhiannon1997]

I'm 30 weeks pregnant and have been placed on temporary accommodation due to relationship breakdown and my ex kicking me out. As I'm very thankful for my local council helping me so fast and giving me shelter in temp accommodation how long are you meant to be in temp accommodation for?
I have been here for a month and my due date is getting closer and closer. And I can't help but think this accommodation really isn't suitable for a newborn. I wouldn't even say it's suitable for me but I don't want to sound ungrateful.
it's a very small single bedroom with bathroom with small shower and a very tiny kitchen well I say kitchen it doesn't have space for a fridge/cooker or even a washing machine. It's basically just a sink and 1 cupboard. I've purchased myself a small mini fridge and a microwave but surely that isn't suitable living off microwave meal. I can't even do my washing.
I don't drive and the accommodation is no where near a laundrette.
my housing bidding is still saying I'm only entitled to a 1 bedroom I keep bidding on anything and everything but still coming in the 70s in the bidding que. I'm band 2 as well.
ive tried called my housing officer but he never gets back to me

You could be there a good while. Council accommodation is very scarce. I know people who've been in TA for years. I hope you get something soon.

Different councils have different waiting lists as I’m sure you know. I’m a midwife and unfortunately I have seen plenty of babies born into temporary accommodation including tiny rooms above pubs, rooms in houses with shared kitchens/bathrooms etc. good luck.

A single friend was on the list over 10yrs, but didn't have a baby. At least you have your own bathroom and some cooking facilities. Those in hotels rooms don't. If you are still working, is there a laundrette near there to use?

Unfortunately I had to leave my job I am 30 weeks pregnant and the temp accommodation was an hour and 10 minutes away from my old town/work

An hour and ten minutes isn’t hugely far, though. It’s a reasonable one-way commuting time. I did longer than that for years. Why would you give up a job with nothing to go to? Your accommodation is OK but not ideal, of course.

Are you on early maternity leave, or have you literally stopped working, op?

Like I said I am 30 weeks pregnant so took an early maternity leave. I don't drive so would have to take public transport every day which would work out 4.5 hours commuting as there isn't a straight bus route I would have to get the train then two buses.

Sorry should of made it more clear I took early maternity a month ago

A one hour and 10 minute journey by 2, is 2 hours and 20 minutes, op.
A journey millions of Londoners do every day.

So why did you say the commute was an hour and ten minutes, and then change your story? Whether you drive or not is irrelevant. It’s important to have a job, especially if you think the accommodation isn’t right.

If you read my reply there is no direct bus route or train service. I'm not in London so don't know why you feel the need to compare. I live in a small village in Wiltshire. A normal car journey would take my 1 hour and ten minutes. But like I said I don't drive. Meaning I would need to take a bus to the train station as I'm not walking an hour. Take two different trains to get to my old home time and then another bus. Equally over 2 hours there and doing the same journey back.

It's an hour and ten by car. But like I said I don't drive so would have to commute via public transport which is double the time. I took maternity leave early as I would be having to pay £40 each way two buses at £9 each and a £19.80 train journey.
like I've stated the accommodation has NO direct bus route.
I don't live in a bit city. I live in the country side so multiple different commute transfers are needed

Ok. Maybe don’t state the journey time by car if you don’t drive 😆

Hi .

you’ll likely have a wait on your hands.
youll only be entitled to bid for a 1 bedroom for now, some councils allow you to bid for a 2 once you have had your child but many do not include the child on the entitlement until the baby turns 1 even then bidding does not mean you will be housed some people wait 5 plus years in temporary accommodation waiting for a moves

temporary accommodation means that you can be moved multiple times until you are found permanent accommodation so expect to be moved about a fair amount.

some boroughs prioritise working people also which is handy for you to keep in mind

OP have the council said whether your banding will increase when you have your baby? Keep pestering your housing officer to ask.
Unfortunately lots of people spend a long time in temp accommodation.
Good luck with everything

You are prioritised based on need, not whether you are working or not.

And? What’s the lack of a direct bus route got to do with anything? It’s common to have to take more than one bus, plus a train etc to get to work. I change at least three times. It’s normal.

Come on... over 2 hours each way commuting to work at 30 weeks pregnant? That isn't 'normal'.

My council does take into account working people and it pushes them up a band

Why are you picking on the OP on this totally irrelevant point, @KilkennyCats? She’s found herself homeless at 30 weeks pregnant, and this is your response? As a fellow Irish woman I’m embarrassed for you.

I would try to call Shelter, they can advise you of your rights and what to do:https://england.shelter.org.uk/

Do you have an email address for the housing officer and if not them can you find the email for the general housing department? I would put something in writing. Tell them you’re 30 weeks pregnant, the housing is unsuitable, you’re worried about bringing a newborn here, you need someone to review your case and please can they reply to you in writing. You can ask your midwife for a supporting letter too, don’t be afraid of telling them