In a country as developed as ours, it's heartbreaking to have experienced what I have, as a resident in the London Borough of Bromley. After my mobility was significantly reduced, I was obliged to participate in the bidding process. I bidded for five years, before I successfully 'won' a home. I wasn’t bidding for an adapted property - there weren't any available - but for any property that was feasible, for adaptations. 

I could have died in a fire on 6th June 2024, due to delay in adaptations. This system is not working and can be life threatening. I lost my home and everything I owned, and had to crawl out of my house to safety, because even though I've been a full-time wheelchair user since May 2023, my home hadn’t been adapted and it was difficult to manoeuvre my wheelchair around my home, as it was. Plans had been made, but I believe that even though the grant had been awarded, the people in charge, didn't want to spend the money and budgets were prioritised, over my saftety and well being. It's time to make a stand. 

The current housing system in the Bromley borough, requires disabled tenants who need to move homes due to their disabilities, to 'bid' for properties. This often results in these citizens - some of our most vulnerable - being stuck in a perpetual waiting cycle. Not only does the long-winded bidding process pose a risk, but the additional waiting time for necessary home adaptations to be carried out, can lead to life-threatening situations. I was lucky enough to crawl to safety, but my cat had passed out and was revived by a makeshift, oxygen mask, by the wonderful fire fighters, who attended to tackle the blaze.

The professionals such as Occupational Therapists and Social Workers, who should ideally aid this sensitive process, seem to fail consistently. In my case, I feel that the behaviour of certain Bromley Council employees, was marked by unprofessional and discriminatory treatment, with a Social Worker erroneously dismissing, Functional Neurological Disorder as a mental illness. This same person, also berated me, because my change in circumstances, meant they had to do several assessments. 

It's heartrending to realise the hurdles, that disabled tenants have to overcome, for basic housing security. It's not a luxury; it's a fundamental human right, outlined under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It’s time we made a change!

We urgently call on Bromley's housing authority, to eliminate the bidding system for disabled residents, in need of adapted housing. We implore them to create a more efficient system that prioritises safety, dignity, and the basic rights of these individuals. 

End this discriminatory practice. Ensure timely adaptations to housing facilities for disabled tenants. Please sign this petition today.

Thank you.