does anyone live in council flat?

Question

the housing benifit pays for my parents council flat coz hey are retired! it is a permenant accomidation which they signed for it back in may 2006! unfortunatley now they are not happy with the flat becasue its on the third flooor with no elevators and the neighbours are really annoying. do you think they can change the flat? or move to somewhere else and still recieve housing benefit?

Answer 1

Your parents may be able to apply for a transfer if they are finding it difficult to cope with the stairs due to the ill health of 1 or both of them. They will need to complete a medical assessment form and provide appropriate evidence from any health practitioner they may see on a regular basis.

If, as you say the "neighbours are really annoying", your parents should complain, preferably in writing, directly to their Neighbourhood Housing Office giving as much detail as possible about the neighbours annoying behaviour. If it is due to noise or other "statutory nuisance", the Council will investigate and take appropriate action to stop such behaviour. Being "annoying" in itself is not a statutory nuisance.

I understand that many Councils now allow tenants to bid for available properties rather than offer transfers. Your parents should speak to their Housing Officer for details of this and similar schemes they may be eligible to join.

If, after taking some or all of the steps highlighted above, your parents are still unhappy they can contact their local ward Councillor or MP to advise and assist them further.

Ultimately, if after all the above, the problem remains, your parents can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman to seek resolution and, in some cases, appropriate compensation.

They will still be entitled to Housing Benefit if there is no significant change to their income.

Answer 2

It depends on how much you will use the utilities keep the lights on all the time, is the water metered etc. etc. But some of the bills you will need to consider would be: TV licence - approx £10 per month, Council tax - depends on your tax band, water rates - depends whether you are metered and which authority you are under - on average I'd say £25 per month if you are not metered. Telephone Bill (landline) - depends on usage and tariff but min of £25 per month Electric - depends on usage you may be metered - min £25 per month Gas - depends on usage and whether you are metered - min of £25 per month Rent - whatever is in your agreement Home insurance - depends on the area you live in and who you use - min £25 per month Food - depends on what you like to eat, if you eat out etc - min of £150 per month There are probaly more expenses but you will also have to consider day to day expenses like petrol if you drive and the car insurance bills then there are the sundry expenses such as money for going out, cigarettes if you smoke etc. The values given to you for the bills are based on what I used to put by when I bought my first house which was 3 bedrooms and I lived on my own so some of the values may be lower but be prepared for higher. You can only play it by ear for the first few months until you have some sort of routine going and once you are used to how much you have to pay you can relax a little. Good Luck

Answer 3

I think they can ask the Council for a transfer to another property

Answer 4

Yes. Get the doctor to write a letter saying they need to be on the ground floor and due to their poor health and age, need somewhere more suitable.

Answer 5

of course they can , get in touch with their local council representive or acitizen advice bureau . hopefully they will be able to help your parents out good luck

Answer 6

yes, if they are elderly they can exchange. and they will still get housing benefit.

Answer 7

yes im in one.

Answer 8

not me