Council housing and temp accommodation

[lmsh]

Hi! I’m after advice regarding council housing. I’m currently 36 weeks pregnant and have been asked to leave where I live a week after my due date. Obviously moving is going to be difficult a week post partum and I’m likely to end up in temporary accommodation somewhere. I’m already on the housing register (band c, East Sussex), however only eligible for one beds and coming around 12th-14th for these. The council have also been useless in communicating with me. Does anyone have any experience going down the homeless council route? And how long it may take to find somewhere permanent? I have looked into private rent but I have no guarantor and can’t afford 6 months upfront. Thankyou😊

I think there was a recent ruling about the legality of refusing to house people on benefits. Since universal credit surely loads of people renting are on benefits of some kind?

commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn07008/

Definitely keep pushing with the council! I know it can feel like you’re being a nuisance, but persistence really does pay off in these situations. I’ve been through the process in the past in two different areas (once in temp accommodation for around a year, once for 4-5 months). The hardest part is the uncertainty, but I do now have a permanent home and secure tenancy.

No point declaring refusing benefits illegal without making such clauses illegal in insurance and mortgages. Shelter etc can only see landlords due to their not very hidden agenda, not the related businesses.

@ColdTattyWaitingForSummer I’m glad you’re finally settled! Which council were you with?

@lmsh the first time was southern England, but I’m now in Scotland.

Bump