Social housing exchange

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

Can anyone advise how to challenge a refusal for a council house exchange please..
Long story short, friend is trying to exchange from a 2 bedroom to a 3 bedroom as they are very over crowded (4 children). The council are saying she can only exchange to a 4 bedroom as 3 bedroom will still make them overcrowded. There aren't any 4 bedroom properties in the area which they have confirmed and the council allow her to bid on 3 bedrooms but won’t let her to exchange to one. The rooms are big enough to split and the youngest is one and will still be sharing with friend for a while. I know they can legally refuse an exchange for any reason but how likely is it that she can fight for permission for this swap? Thanks

Forgot to add there are medical reasons for her needing this specific property and not any old 3 bedroom property, would it be considered discriminatory for them to refuse?

 

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

Anyone?

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Have they rang and had a conversation with the housing?

Do they have arrears?

Do they need a separate bedroom for the medical needs?

 

[thatstupidcat]

Further to Laurie above:

Have they got supporting evidence of medical needs’ (such as occupational therapist report etc)?

If their council is like mine, if someone from an “attractive” council property is open to exchange, the council would rather house the next person in the queue for the highest banding than allow private swaps to someone further back.

If no joy from speaking to housing, maybe your friend could take a look at Shelter’s website or contact their local MP.

 

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

Thanks for replying. All medical letters have been sent to them, an extra bedroom isn’t necessary but ground floor on one level is a must. It’s the only block within the borough that have these properties and it’s taken a year for one to become empty. No arrears or other reasons to refuse, just the bedroom entitlement being their issue.

 

[PollyPage]

If the house is 3 bedroom and has 2 living areas, for example a dining room or a front and back room. She will be expected to use one of those rooms as a bedroom. Have they not explained this to her? x

 

[Apple In My Pie]

If they have medical needs and can prove this to the council it might work in their favour. my local council have decided that once you're in an adapted home you can only move to another adapted home so causes issues if wanting to move in future - this might be something to bear in mind (although may be just the rules of my local council and not a nationwide rule!).

Maybe what is holding them back is because they've gone into it asking for a new home due to overcrowding - not that there's anything wrong with that but I think the council's attitude to that would be 'take what you're given' whereas if you emphasise and have evidence of medical needs they would HAVE to consider a new home on the basis of the needs I would think. Also agree with previous poster they do expect you to use any 'spare' rooms, dining room etc, as bedrooms.

 

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

Thank you I will tell her to change her request to medical needs from overcrowding and hope that will help. There arent any spare rooms unfortunately, it’s a living room, kitchen, bathroom and 3 bedrooms. All of the rooms are large and can be divided into separate smaller rooms if necessary. They will only offer her a house as part of the bidding process which doesn’t meet her needs, exchanging is her only chance to find a suitable place for her child so if she isn’t able to take this property they will basically be happy to leave her overcrowded in an unsuitable house.

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Thank you I will tell her to change her request to medical needs from overcrowding and hope that will help. There arent any spare rooms unfortunately, it’s a living room, kitchen, bathroom and 3 bedrooms. All of the rooms are large and can be divided into separate smaller rooms if necessary. They will only offer her a house as part of the bidding process which doesn’t meet her needs, exchanging is her only chance to find a suitable place for her child so if she isn’t able to take this property they will basically be happy to leave her overcrowded in an unsuitable house.

Oh does she want to move into a flat? Some councils won’t house children into flats.

 

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

Yes it’s just the bedrooms that are the issue, they’re allowing her to live in a flat as she needs to be on one level. I have spoken to a lot of people today who may be able to help, so fingers crossed it will be sorted.

 

[Devondoll]

I'm attempting to mutual exchange myself. The council agreed, had our inspections and then changed their minds. Won't speak to me regarding it as the problem is with the other house, won't acknowledge that the issue they have allowing the swap won't be a problem when we move. I'm very fortunate to live in a council house and take pride in my home. I recieve no housing benefit etc (not that it should matter but you know how some people can be) and work very hard. Relocating is absolutely not an option. They are hiding behind covid as an excuse to be incompetent. I've requested a meeting to discuss it all but no response yet. I've also involved my local Councillor. They encourage us to mutual exchange and yet make it as difficult as possible!