A DATCHET man facing eviction claims he cannot reapply to be on the council’s housing waiting list as he has ‘no local connection’ to the area despite living in the Royal Borough for nearly 45 years.
60-year-old Paul Doolan told the local democracy reporting service (LDRS) he had his application to be put back on the waiting list denied by the council and claims he was told they had no record of him.
But Mr Doolan, who is a carpenter by trade and plays the saxophone in the borough’s music circuit, has been on the waiting list since 2010.
The council refutes they lost his records but has apologised for removing Mr Doolan from the register without notifying him. Paul has been told he is eligible for sheltered housing.
Paul had to renew as he was informed the system had changed in 2018 and that all persons on the existing list would be placed in ‘Band D’. That year, Paul’s son tragically committed suicide.
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He tried to reapply but was “gobsmacked” when he discovered it was rejected as he didn’t qualify under the ‘local connection policy’. Again, the council refutes this, saying households with no "demonstrable housing" need will not qualify to join the register
Paul has lived in the Royal Borough since 1978 and has family living in Windsor Great Park, Dedworth, and Maidenhead.
Speaking to the LDRS, Mr Doolan said he called every year quoting his reference number to renew his application. He was considered a ‘low priority’ as he was living in rented accommodation.
But earlier this year, the owner of the rented property told him he needed to find alternative accommodation as they were selling up.
Mr Doolan contacted the council about his circumstances but was told they had no trace of him on their records.
“I couldn’t believe it”, says Paul. “They had given me the impression that reapplying was routine. But now I’m left in a terrible situation.”
He added: “I’ve been looking around [for another accommodation] but I can’t afford what the rates are here for rent etc.
“If I was 45 to 50-years old, I would be on my skates and off again, but I’m 60 now. My family, life, and friends are here.
“I can afford a council flat, but I can’t afford a private rent sector. I have no chance.”
Mr Doolan said he has lodged an official complaint to the council and is demanding an answer to where his records have gone.
A council spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on individual cases. There is significant demand on social housing and, therefore, we have a system in place to prioritise. Our Housing Allocations Policy sets out the eligibility criteria for those who wish to join our housing register and clarifies how we prioritise the allocation of properties. There are a range of requirements to meet in order to be eligible for qualification to join the electronic housing register, including being in housing need. Households with no demonstrable housing need – such as those who are adequately housed – will not qualify to join the register.
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“When we receive applications to join the housing register, applicants are assessed in line with the policy at that time and their circumstances. When a new policy is introduced, then all who are registered, would then be reassessed in line with the new current policy. If they don’t meet the eligibility criteria, then the application would be closed.
“If applicants do not qualify to join the electronic housing register they may be eligible to join the register for sheltered housing, with housing allocated on priority needs. If a person is homeless or threatened with homelessness and is concerned about losing their home and would like some advice, they can complete a self-referral to the Housing Options Team online at: https://rbwm.housingjigsaw.co.uk/accounts/account/register.
“A dedicated housing options officer will review and provide housing advice and discuss housing options available to the applicant. They will consider all rehousing options, not just social housing but offers of properties in the private rented market.”
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