Testimonies
Over occupancy and HB cuts

I have lived in social housing for the past 12 years. I was offered a two bedroom house as a single person in the year 2000. It saved my life. It gave me a base, a home, and a place to be. I am not working at the moment.. on JSA.. but have worked in the past and spent a lot of money on improving my home. New doors, a lovely back yard, fitted carpet. Basically (having no kids) all my spare money went into making this house a home. I am now told that from 2013 because I have a spare room.. if i am still on benefits.. I will face a 20% cut in my HB. I will not be able to afford to make up the difference and face eviction. I am a very active member of my local residents association, I do voluntary work.. everything this Govt says is part of the ‘big society’. So where is the compassion .. that would take my home away from me. I am 53 yrs old. I love living here and cannot imagine a life without it. There is shortage of one bed flats in social housing anyway. I have two cats that I might not be able to keep even I moved into a one bed flat. I have done nothing to deserve this. I have worked all my life and when not working do voluntary work. I consider myself to be a useful part of society and my community. Why do this to me? What is is all about?
- Posted by: juliamae at 9:24pm on 22 July 2012
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