I have been living through hell since the death of my Mom in November and losing 4 other family members within the space of 12 months. I am neurodivergent and I have suffered long-term with my mental health since childhood. I am a good tenant and neighbour who has been dealing with the overwhelm of life-altering events. This difficult process was made even worse by the dismissal and negligence of Redditch Borough Council's Housing and Tenancy department. I don’t want my mental health to suffer because of the choices being made without consideration of my safety and the requirements that should be met in order for that happen. My pleas for understanding, a change of officers handling my case due a bad working relationship and conflict of interest as a complaint had been filed and my clear, legitimate supporting evidence has all been ignored leading to my current devastating situation. 

I have been given a minimal 7-day notice to vacate my home with an an eviction date set for 6th September due to levels of communication becoming abusive. Despite my efforts to minimise further distress for myself, I have been denied and Ill-informed and I have become more frustrated by the consistent lack of support, compassion and understanding under these highly sensitive circumstances. These punitive actions are not only unethical, but are also fear-inducing for all the tenants living under the jurisdiction of this housing body.

The scariest thing is that the council believe their actions are appropriate. It is not appropriate under any circumstances to intimidate and push people to their absolute limits. It is not appropriate to ignore viable requests and supporting evidence. It is not appropriate to comply in the ruin of someone’s entire life over words that have no long-lasting effect, especially when that individual is fearful. It is immoral. I am not solely to blame for the breakdown of this situation based only on the results that have occurred over the past few days.

Sadly, this is not just about me. A number of tenants experience injustices by Redditch Borough Council. It’s time to request that they change their unfair policies and practices, improve their communication skills and to treat all tenants with compassion, fairness and respect, especially those who are vulnerable.

Let’s ensure this institution serves its community appropriately and protects the rights of its tenants. It's essential that they take immediate action and start treating all tenants justly. If we remain silent, this could happen time and again to tenants under their care.

Raise your voice for change today. You can make a difference by signing this petition.

Please send emails to:

• MP Chris Bloore
• Counsellor Joe Baker
• Redditch Borough Council Housing and Tenancy 
• Redditch Standard
• Redditch Advertiser

#RedditchTenantsMatter

Further evidence to follow on social media: 

Twitter/X @TenantsMatter