Dear concerned citizens,

We are writing this petition to bring attention to a critical issue affecting numerous tenants and landlords in our community. The current approach of our local council towards housing matters is causing severe hardship and homelessness for many individuals and families. We urgently call upon the council to take immediate action to rectify this situation and provide timely support to those facing the risk of homelessness.

Our Story:

We, the undersigned, have been through an arduous journey, facing the harsh consequences of the council's actions that pushed us to the brink of homelessness and uncertainty. Our ordeal began when our landlord decided to sell the property, forcing us onto a rolling contract from May 4th, 2022. As the landlord had no intention of making repairs, the flat fell into disrepair, and we were burdened with exorbitant utility costs. Unfairly, defaults were placed upon us, jeopardizing our credit and making it difficult to rent elsewhere.

Recognizing the seriousness of the disrepair, we sought help from the council's environmental health team, and they issued a notice of repair to our landlord. Fortunately, a buyer emerged, willing to keep us as tenants, and the initial notice was retracted. However, our relief was short-lived as the buyer later backed out, citing unresolved disrepair concerns.

The council's intervention and retraction of the buyer prompted our landlord to issue a new notice, making us vulnerable to possession proceedings. The council advised us to wait for a court order eviction before they could provide any emergency accommodation assistance. In this challenging situation, we turned to the council for legal support, hoping they would extend a helping hand. Shockingly, we were turned away, as they deemed our earnings too high to qualify for full assistance.

Determined to protect our home, we took matters into our own hands and filed a defense against the possession proceedings without any support from the council.

Despite facing numerous obstacles without council help, we persevered and finally found a property that would accept us. We managed to secure the goodwill gesture of a deposit scheme via the council, which was accepted by our prospective landlord, thing we're looking good! However, the council intervened yet again.

To our dismay, the council inexplicably advised the current tenant, a single mother with children, to remain in the property that we were scheduled to move into, leaving us with but 2 days notice before our move in date. This sudden change of plans not only thwarted our move but also resulted in significant financial losses due to already arranged moving expenses, alongside unwarranted stress.

We now face potential homelessness deposits our efforts, with even less time than we had before and even less financial capability due to wasted funds.

The lack of communication and misinformation within the council is an escalating concern that cannot be sustained and must be addressed. The council must take responsibility for their mistakes and not shift the burden onto those who are suffering the most during this crisis - tenants, landlords, and homeowners.

The Problem:

The current housing crisis, exacerbated by the local council's inadequate response, has plunged many tenants and landlords in our community into a dire and distressing situation. Despite their responsibility to protect the well-being of residents, the council's actions have contributed significantly to the perpetuation of homelessness and housing instability.

Another critical issue exacerbating the housing crisis is the exclusion of working professionals from housing support based solely on their earnings. Many working individuals, despite earning an average wage, find it increasingly difficult to secure affordable housing due to rigid income requirements imposed by the council. This exclusionary approach leaves numerous hardworking individuals and families without access to the support they need to obtain safe and stable housing.

Here is a list of issues that remain unresolved and play a crucial part to this crisis.

• Appropriately Allocated Housing: Many long-term council house tenants are residing in properties with more bedrooms than they need or use. This allocation of larger properties to individuals or families who no longer require the extra space contributes to a shortage of suitable housing for those in genuine need.
• Lack of Timely Support: Tenants facing the risk of homelessness are met with insufficient and delayed assistance from the council. The council's approach of advising tenants to "stay put" until possession orders are issued by the court not only prolongs the suffering but also leaves individuals and families in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability.
• Neglected Property Repairs: The council's failure to ensure that landlords promptly address property repairs and maintenance issues has resulted in substandard living conditions for many tenants. Disrepair left unattended not only impact the tenants' quality of life but also lead to unjust evictions, putting vulnerable individuals and families at risk of homelessness.
• Lack of Mediation Services: The absence of effective mediation services between landlords and tenants leaves parties embroiled in legal battles and eviction proceedings, further deepening the housing crisis. Proactive mediation could prevent unnecessary evictions and help reach fair and reasonable resolutions for all parties involved.
• Insufficient Tenant's Rights Education: Many tenants are unaware of their rights and the available resources to help them navigate difficult housing situations. The council's lack of comprehensive education and support programs denies tenants the tools they need to protect themselves from eviction and homelessness.
• Inadequate Housing Supply and Funding: The shortage of affordable housing options coupled with insufficient funding for housing assistance exacerbates the housing crisis. The council must prioritize the allocation of resources to build more affordable housing and provide financial aid to those in need.
• Landlord's Struggles: While tenants suffer the brunt of the housing crisis, landlords, too, face significant challenges. The council's approach of relying on court proceedings and orders has forced landlords into legal battles, causing financial strain and holding their properties hostage to an uncertain fate.

The Solution

We demand that the local council takes immediate action to address this crisis and implement the following measures:

• Timely Proactive Support: The council must provide immediate and appropriate support to tenants facing the risk of homelessness, irrespective of their income level.
• Repairs Enforcement: The council should ensure that landlords promptly adhere to property repair regulations. Enforcing repair notices will protect tenants' well-being and prevent unjust evictions.
• Mediation Services: Implement mediation services to facilitate fair negotiations between landlords and tenants, aiming to avoid evictions and provide reasonable solutions.
• Tenant's Rights Education: The council should actively educate tenants about their rights and available resources to help them navigate challenging housing situations.
• Increased Housing Supply and Funding: The council should allocate resources to build more affordable housing options and provide financial support to those in need, ensuring access to safe and secure housing.
• Alternative Approaches: The council must explore innovative solutions beyond instructing tenants to stay put and wait for court orders. Proactive assistance and preventive measures should be prioritized.
• Flexible Income Requirements: The council should adopt flexible income criteria that consider various factors such as medical circumstances, credit history, and financial hardships. Relying solely on earnings to determine eligibility for housing support does not take into account the diverse challenges individuals may face.
• Holistic Assessment: A holistic assessment should be conducted to determine housing support eligibility. This assessment should consider an individual's overall financial situation, including medical expenses and existing debts, to provide a more accurate representation of their ability to afford housing.
• Average Wage Consideration: The council must recognize the challenges faced by those earning average wages in high-cost cities and adjust housing support criteria accordingly. Offering tailored assistance to working professionals will ensure that they are not unfairly burdened by housing costs.
• Right-Sizing Initiatives: Identify cases where tenants are occupying properties larger than their needs and work with them to find alternative, more appropriately sized accommodations.
• Transition Support Program: Provide support to tenants during the transition, including assistance with the moving process and access to housing advice.
• Property Maintenance Incentives: Establish guidelines and incentives to encourage tenants to maintain and care for their properties properly.
• Regular Property Inspections: Conduct regular property inspections to ensure that living conditions are maintained and improved, benefiting both tenants and the efficiency of the housing system.

In conclusion, the current housing crisis requires urgent and comprehensive action from the local council. We demand immediate support for those at risk of homelessness, strict enforcement of repair regulations, and the establishment of mediation services. Educating tenants about their rights and resources is vital, while increasing funding for affordable housing options will ensure accessibility for all. Embracing innovative approaches and flexible income criteria will address diverse challenges. By prioritizing these measures, we can end homelessness, create a compassionate community, and provide a stable future for everyone.

Relevant Facts & Information:

• The private rented sector is the second largest tenure of housing in England, making up around 20% of all households in the country, with 4.6 million households using the sector in England, 340,000 in Scotland, and just over 200,000 in Wales.
• Renters are facing record prices, with rents growing at the fastest annual rate in over a decade.
• Private renters in England spend around a third of their household income on rent, more than 10% higher than what owner occupiers pay.
• Renters are almost five times more likely to experience financial hardship compared to homeowners who own their homes outright.
  As of May 2023, around 40% of renters found it difficult to afford their rent payments, and nearly half of renters and mortgage payers experienced payment increases in the last six months.
• Private rental prices paid by UK tenants rose by 4.8% in the year leading up to February 2023, with the highest rises recorded in Scotland (5.2%) despite rent controls, compared to 4.7% in England and 4.8% in Wales.
• Average asking rents outside London hit a new record of £1,190 per month, rising for 13 consecutive quarters as of 2023, while average asking rents in London surpassed £2,500 per month for the first time.
• Newly let properties saw a 10.4% rise in rents in the year leading up to June 2023, marking the 15th consecutive month of double-digit rental inflation, with an average yearly increase of £2,820 in rental costs over the last five years for renters.
• Tenants in social housing experienced a 7% rise in rents as of April 2023, with housing associations allowed to increase or decrease rent annually at 1% higher than the current CPI inflation rate.
• The government capped rent increases at 7% rather than the forecasted 11.1% in response to rising inflation, saving tenants up to £200 per year.

These facts highlight the severity of the housing crisis for renters, with soaring rental costs leading to financial hardship and decreased affordability for many individuals and families. The lack of rent controls and rising inflation exacerbates the challenges faced by tenants, making it crucial for the local council to take immediate action to provide support and affordable housing options.

Conclusion:

By signing this petition, we unite to end council-induced homelessness and demand that our local council prioritizes the well-being and stability of its residents. We call on the council to act responsibly and compassionately, providing timely support to those in need and putting an end to the perpetual cycle of homelessness.

Together, let's create a more compassionate community where everyone has access to safe and secure housing.

Damian Gozzett & Danielle