Thetford Resident Needing Help

A Thetford resident who has lived in their Flagship property for over 30 years has now found themselves in financial hardship as a result of the spare room subsidy - known as the bedroom tax.

During this time, the resident has seen their health deteriorate rapidly - and now a mixture of anxiety and depression has taken its toll. Recently the stress became too much and this resident attempted to take their own life.

Relationships have broken down with Flagship Housing Association who have a policy not to rehome residents, i.e. into a smaller property not affected by the bedroom tax, if they are in rent arrears. They also inspected the property and have stated that they require work to be undertaken to the property before they consent to the move - i.e. garden clearance, painting etc - in-line with Flagship policy.

For somebody that has no money and mobility issues, this is not an easy task.

As the local Councillor, I am co-ordinating a 'community response' to this problem. I am seeking support from people to enable this resident to be moved to a property where the bedroom tax will not apply.

Any funds raised will be utilised in this order; 

1. Get the rent payments in-line with the Court order so that Flagship will agree to move the tenant

2. Support for costs involved in redecroating the current and new property 

3. If any remaining funds, support with clearing historical rent arrears.

Thetford Police Cadets have been approached to support with physical laboru required with decorating - hopefully the costs of this can be met by the community.