A DAD from Whitley is at his ‘wits end’ with the council while trying to find a home for his family after being hit with an eviction notice.
David Harrison, 40, has lived with his partner and two children in the same home for the last 17 years.
He has lived in Greenfields Road, a privately rented semi-detached two-bed home, with his 41-year-old partner and their two children, an 18-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son.
Last month, they were given an eviction notice as the family owning the home wish to sell it. This leaves Mr Harrison desperately looking for a new home.
He says he approached Reading Borough Council for help, but faces homelessness as he’s unable to afford a rent higher than what he already pays, and has so far not secured a council property.
He said: “In August we received an eviction notice due to our landlord passing away and the family wanting to sell the house.
“I have been on the council housing list for nearly three years but haven’t got anywhere.
“My 18-year-old daughter shares a room with my 14-year-old son, but the council doesn’t care that they have to share.”
Mr Harrison fears he’s unlikely to be able to move to another private rental where rent is £1,300-£1,600 for a three-bed home, while council rents are £500-600 a month.
Mr Harrison said: “If we could afford to move we wouldn’t ask for help. And even if we do move, what if the same thing happens at a new place? I would be in the same predicament if they decide to sell as well.”
He has struggled to find an adequate council property in the bidding process.
Mr Harrison said: “We’ve been put in the lowest band, so we can bid on houses, but our chances of winning are second to none.
“We both work and have full-time commitments so searching for somewhere is difficult.
“I need help but because I work, pay taxes and pay bills I’m not entitled to anything.”
Mr Harrison’s partner is a council employed teaching assistant, which he argues should give her some priority for a home.
He said: “Technically she’s a key worker but she gets no priority over anyone else.”
The pressure of moving is having a “massive” impact on his family.
Mr Harrison explained: “I have had my son break down with his teachers at school when they asked how his summer holidays were and they have rung as they are concerned as he is now studying to do his GCSEs.
“My daughter is trying to start college.
“My partner has Crohn’s disease and is having a bad time with the extra stress this is causing.
“I am getting over a neurological disorder and fighting pain and high blood pressure daily. I’m fighting to keep myself out of hospital.
“I’m under great stress and I can’t sleep because I can’t get clear answers from the council.”
The family have just over a week before the eviction process begins.
Reading Borough Council accepted homeless relief duty for the family on September 5, which confirms it is taking steps to help them secureaccommodation.
This involves issuing a Personalised Housing Plan which sets out Mr Harrison and the council can do to avoid them becoming homeless.
So far, he has been offered debt advice and information on access to benefits and the affordability of private rented homes.
The council says it always aims to work with landlords to save current tenancies, but in this situation it has not been possible.
A council spokesperson said: “We are supporting Mr Harrison to try to secure further private rented accommodation and have advised him of our Rent Guarantee Scheme which matches people who need homes with landlords, with the Council paying the rent direct to the landlord in advance.
“As a family who are due to become homeless they will be prioritised for any three bedroom properties that become available through the scheme.
“Other services we provide in addition to the Rent Guarantee Scheme include our Money Matters website (www.reading.gov.uk/money-matters) which brings together advice and support available to those struggling financially, including, benefits, money advice, redundancy, and the cost of living,
“Winter Watch – a fuel poverty energy service supporting vulnerable households to manage their energy usage, tenancy workshops and, where required, support with accommodation costs through Discretionary Housing Payments.”
They added: “Demand for affordable accommodation in Reading is very high, however the Council provides thorough assistance for all residents who need help regardless of economic status, to ensure accommodation secured to prevent homelessness is affordable for everyone.
“The Council is seeking to increase the amount of affordable housing available in the town by investing over £100million that will deliver 300 homes over the next four years, including provision specifically for key workers, and ensures that it maximises affordable housing units from private developments through the Planning process.
“We continue to support Mr Harrison and his family to prevent the risk of homelessness and would urge any families who find themselves at risk of homelessness to contact our homelessness prevention team at housing.advice@reading.gov.uk”
