Q: hi really need some advice about his long and sorry story xx
we plotted to March 19 due to the sale of the landlord served notice house.he correct and he is a nice guy.
the Council now have accepted us as homeless and brought us to a private rented house with them
this where the problem starts.first all rent is ￡ 695 per month, we dont get housing and we dont get work tax.we be a couple with a 4 children.one suspected asperger syndrone.
we explained to the Council, we can not afford and they want us DLA application for our child in that way, so we can afford rent
my the questions they force us to do and can they force us to take the accommodation offered
we went bankrupt last year because of high private rental sector.
they have asked my husband to reduce his hours at work (43) so we can get working tax.do we know someone with a caravan! We talked with shelter, but they cannot tell me if the Council are allowed to force someone to benefits they feel they are not entitled to pay only the rent.really really regret it as long.anyone housing knowledge would great
thanks claim sandra xx
However have you checked that you would not be eligible for housing benefit on the new property?
However if you turn down a reasonable offer of temporary accommodation (if that is what the private offer is) then you could be found 'intentionally homeless' which means the council could discharge their duty to accommodate you.
You say you don't get housing benefit. Does that mean the rent where you are is cheaper? Have you checked if you may be eligible for housing benefit on the new property?
Its difficult as the rent you quote doesn't seem abnormally high to me for your size family. The Council should have made you a 'reasonable' offer so the rent should be reasonable for your area. If it isn't then that is something you could raise with them. As the OP says the Council can use B&B or another alternative for emergency accommodation but this should only be for a period of up to 6 weeks for families with children.
From the council's point of view, if they feel you are not claiming things you should be entitled to, they can probably say you have now deliberately put yourself in a situation where you can't afford the rent.
TBH why not claim the benefit? It is not a reflection on your child if you claim a benefit that clearly you need in order to get decent housing. To refuse to claim does look deliberately obstructive. If your claim is not accepted at least you can tell the council that you are not entitled to the money.
To the council it may look like you don't want to claim because that will increase your chance of getting a council house.
If you do nothing, and the council have accepted you need housing, chances are you could initially be placed in B&B or a hostel. I know someone who had to live in a hostel for 3 months with 4 children before gaining a council house.