| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jackie |
Posted - 11 January 2010 : 17:17:31
Hiya Everyone,
My hubby and I have our phone interviews with the or tomorrow morning. Looking for advice really. What sort of things will we be asked? I m really worrying about them asking me something that I wont be able to answer as I struggle to remember what I had for tea 3 days ago let alone months. Any help/advice would be appreciated. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Jackie |
Posted - 21 January 2010 : 19:45:59
Hi Richard,
We spoke to a housing officer today, again we went through the ins and outs, but to be honest this lady didnt have a clue. She was more interested in asking how much our debt was and how it all came about. Then she told us that she had to make a note as I "was refusing to pay the mortgage". I told her the house was now with the or and we had no interest keeping the house. She wasnt impressed and told me she would speak to the or as we couldnt live in our house rent or mortgage free. The council list is up to 2yrs on the waiting list and the council has no"duty of care" to house animals so we could quite easily end up in a bandb.....Not a good day |
| Housing |
Posted - 16 January 2010 : 09:08:45
Hi Jackie
On looking at their website, they look to be a caring council.
The housing stock has been transferred to a RSL (a housing association)
This is very common and in fact, I spent 6 years of my life as a housing consultant advising government and councils in the effects and benefits of councils transferring their housing.
The Council however, retains the statutory functions of assessing homelessness. They have a direct link to the charity Shelter - that indicates that they care. 
I wish you good luck and be strong when you go to see them, Richard
"Life is generally something that happens elsewhere" (Alan Bennett - author and hero of mine!!) |
| Jackie |
Posted - 15 January 2010 : 22:29:25
Thank you all,
Richard, it is North Lincolnshire council we fall in. |
| Housing |
Posted - 15 January 2010 : 12:34:02
Hi again,
I am happy to talk through in cyber space between now and Monday - I look at the forum a few times most days.
I would, willingly assist you if it were possible in person, but alas, not possible due to insurance and public liability.
What council is it you are dealing with - I know most of them, by reputation!!
Please post back, Regards, Richard
"Life is generally something that happens elsewhere" (Alan Bennett - author and hero of mine!!) |
| Jackie |
Posted - 15 January 2010 : 09:19:13
Thankyou Yet Again,
Cant I just take you down to the offices with us? lol. We have to go down on Monday and I will be sure to post again. Its quite hard to know what is what with them. |
| chester2005 |
Posted - 14 January 2010 : 20:53:52
Have to agree with richard Housing,
You cannot let the council whitewash you or bully you or let them get away from their responsibilities.
Keep on at them until you are satisfied
Dave
Don't worry or know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.(Baz Lurman)
RevivaUK helped me through it all i can't recommend them enough!! |
| gettingoutofdebt |
Posted - 14 January 2010 : 18:05:06
Statement of Affairs i.e. the 6.28 BR form that you complete when declaring BR. |
| amyc |
Posted - 14 January 2010 : 17:43:27
Excuse me if it sounds silly but what is am soa x |
| Housing |
Posted - 14 January 2010 : 11:11:01
hi Jackie
I see what your local counci. I suggest the following:
First of all have they (the council) accepted a duty towards you in terms of you seeking advice and assistance under Homeless Persons provisions? (The council will issue a "decision Notice")
If yes to the above, what have they set out in that notice?
Do you or any of your family have any health problems that you are being treated for? This could be a long term illness/disability or depression and stress. If so, they must take that into account.
You can ask them to take these factors (if any) into account.
You can remind them that you have pets and that a flat will not be suitable
You may ask them to consider nominating you to one of their partner RSLs (housing associations) for re-housing
You could (although I would push for more) ask them to assist you in the private rented sector f0r a private rented property - They may well pay the deposit. rent in advance for you. If they do this, that will discharge their duty towards you under Homeless Persons provisions.
You could approach your local councillors and Member of Parliament to seek their assitance to bring some pressure to get you smething better.
You could approach the local office of the CAB for assitance - they could advocate on your behalf
You could approach the local office of Shelter - they can advocate.
If you have had service in the armed forces, then SSAFA may assist you with deposits etc or the Royal British legion.
What I am saying is do not lay down and let them be bullish - they are there to deliver a statutory service and there are Codes of Guidance set down by law to ensure they do that with the appropriate degree of sensitivity - taking ALL of your circumstances into account.
I hope this offers you some assitance - I appreciate you have been through the mill already and you have already had enough. Just try to pick up that bit of fight and get a better result from them.
I wish you luck and post back as and when you need to.
My regards, Richard
"Life is generally something that happens elsewhere" (Alan Bennett - author and hero of mine!!) |
| Jackie |
Posted - 14 January 2010 : 08:10:18
Thankyou all. I did phone up council and they told us we may be put in a bandb, caravan or flat. For 2 kids and animals I think this is my worst experience of all this so far. I know we cant afford to privately rent, but I would never of thought we could be placed in the above. Any advice please. |
| Niobe |
Posted - 12 January 2010 : 20:39:34
Well done Jackie, glad it went ok.
Buckle your seat belt Dorothy, 'cos Kansas is going bye bye.
Jan
xx |
| Richard P |
Posted - 12 January 2010 : 20:22:13
good news jackie (& Trogg?) or has the brain finally given up and married you to the wrong person.
regard Richard |
| gettingoutofdebt |
Posted - 12 January 2010 : 18:24:54
Glad to hear everything went ok, Jackie and it is good news about the car. |
| Jackie |
Posted - 12 January 2010 : 13:43:28
Hi Everyone,
We have just had our telephone interviews, hubbys about 45 mins and mines about half an hour. The bloke I spoke to appeared to be really nice. He asked about our seperate debts and how we found ourselves in the position unable to pay. We just told the truth, he explained about the house and told us hubby could buy a car for work as we sold the other prior to br. He told us that looking at what he had infront of him, he would be very unlikely to want to speak to us again. |
| Jackie |
Posted - 11 January 2010 : 22:13:24
Thanks Folks,
I will be sure to let you know how we get on. |
