STATES house dwellers concerned about being evicted have been seeking help from a deputy. Tenancies have been under review by the Housing Department. As a result, some people now have to move into the private sector and it appears the elderly are being the hardest hit.
Deputy Sam Maindonald has offered advice to those affected.
‘I’ve received several calls from States housing tenants who have had their tenancies reviewed recently,’ she said.
‘All have told me that while they knew their tenancies were being reviewed generally, they did not expect to get a letter out of the blue informing them that they are no longer entitled to live in public-sector housing.
‘Most expected to have to move into single-bedroom accommodation, but still within the public sector.’
Hardest hit appear to be those nearing retirement age who have been tenants for the last 25 or 30 years, she said.
‘They have little to no savings or private pension provision and are really worried about their future,’ said Deputy Maindonald.
‘While their income may be over the relevant threshold today, in the near future they expect to be reliant on the States pension - which they fear will not be sufficient to cope with private-sector rents or to pay a mortgage.’
She did not want to criticise the Housing Department - its staff were doing all they could to help people, she added.
‘And neither would I generally comment on operational matters, but there appear to be a number of people who think that I can help them.’
Deputy Maindonald’s advice was:
n Do not ignore the correspondence that you receive from the department. Contact it at your earliest opportunity to raise any concerns and/or questions and follow up your calls in writing.
* If you are intending to appeal, ask Housing to explain the procedure to you, making sure that they tell you the relevant timeframe. When appealing, state all relevant grounds and provide supporting documentation, where appropriate.
‘I am assured by the department that nobody will be forced out of their homes until they have suitable alternative accommodation to move into,’ said Deputy Maindonald.
Article posted on 11th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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