I am writing to express deep concern regarding the recent developments surrounding Mr Jones, a vulnerable individual who has resided at one of Sanctuary properties for approximately 50 years.

Mr Jones resided in the property with his late mother, who was listed as the one tenant. During her lifetime, Mr Jones played a significant role in maintaining the household and consistently making all payment of the rent, as she was not physically able to. Following her passing recently, Mr Jones continued to live in the property, diligently taking care of it and ensuring that rent payments were made without fail, as he had always done while his mother was still alive.

Although he has not been officially recognized as a tenant since his mother’s passing, it is crucial to emphasize that Mr Jones has continued to fulfill all the responsibilities of a tenant. His rent account remains fully up to date, with a credit surplus, further demonstrating his commitment to honoring the financial obligations associated with the property.

Mr Jones has long struggled with mental health issues, including anxiety, all of which have been communicated to Sanctuary Housing on multiple occasions. Despite this, Sanctuary Housing has repeatedly dismissed or overlooked these concerns, offering little to no support. Mr Jones, who has already endured tremendous personal loss, including the passing of his mother, now faces the devastating prospect of losing his home as well,

Having lost his world with the death of his mother, Mr Jones is now confronted with the additional emotional trauma of potentially being forced out of the only place he has ever called home from a young age. It is deeply concerning that, in light of these circumstances, Sanctuary Housing deems it appropriate to proceed with his eviction, showing little regard for his vulnerable mental state and the immense impact this decision will have on his well-being.

Less than three months after his mother’s passing, Sanctuary Housing has deemed it appropriate to begin the process of evicting Mr Jones from the only home he has known for over 50 years. Sanctuary Housing has classified Mr Jones as an "unlawful lodger," a label that has deeply distressed him. This harsh and unjust classification has taken an immense emotional toll on Mr Jones, leaving him physically upset, often in tears, and struggling to cope with the situation. The anxiety and stress caused by this have significantly affected his well-being, leading to sleepless nights and further exacerbating his mental health issues.

To subject someone who has lived in the same home for over 50 years to such emotional turmoil is unacceptable. Mr Jones deserves compassion and understanding, not a cold and impersonal classification that only adds to his suffering

This decision has been made with the sole justification that the property is located near a school, and therefore, they wish to reassign it to someone else. Such reasoning is not only inadequate but entirely unacceptable, especially given Mr Jones’s long-term residency and the personal losses he has already endured.

Given Mr Jones’s long-standing residence and the mental health challenges he faces, the decision to evict him seems not only harsh but also unfair. Mr Jones’s eviction would cause significant distress and upheaval, and the fact that his rent account remains in good standing only strengthens the argument against such an action.

Sanctuary Hosuing, as a housing provider with a duty of care to your tenants and the wider community, lets urge them to reconsider any plans to evict Mr Jones. It seems unjust to remove someone who has made this property their home for over half a century, especially when they are financially responsible and facing mental health difficulties.

Given that Mr Jones has lived in the property for over 50 years, it is only fitting that he should be recognized as the legal tenant under Succession Rights. Mr Jones as been a long-term resident, living with and caring for his late mother, the joint tenant, for decades. His continued payment of rent and maintenance of the property demonstrate his ongoing commitment and responsibility as an occupant.

In light of the Succession Rights law, which allows a family member to inherit a tenancy after the tenant’s passing, it is reasonable to assert that Mr Jones, who has lived in the property for so long and has no other place to call home, should rightfully succeed the tenancy. Considering the compassionate and legal grounds for this, the decision to evict Mr Jones is unjust and should be reconsidered.

Lord Smith.