Updated: 16/08/2010
Updated: 16/08/2010
Her landlord told her she could stay in the property as he would not be selling to the Council until the compulsory purchase order was made.
At first this suited Joan as she was reluctant to move from her home and familiar neighbourhood. However, as time went by she became more and more concerned about living in an area that was deteriorating and as her neighbours moved out she began to feel very isolated and concerned about her safety.
She approached a local Housing Association for help and they offered her a tenancy of a brand-new property in Burslem town centre.
In two minds about moving, she approached Middleport Residents Friend Mick Brownsword for advice. Because she was planning on moving before her landlord had agreed a sale or the property had been compulsory purchased she would forego her statutory compensation of £4,700.
After discussing the issues with Mick she decided to move and, although she wasn’t automatically entitled to discretionary compensation, we asked the city council’s panel to review her case and she was awarded a £500 payment.
Mick also helped her to apply for a community care grant to cover the cost of moving and although this was initially refused, we also asked the DWP to review their decision and she was awarded a further £950.
Once she moved Mick provided her with practical support in sorting out issues around claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit in her new home, furnishing and carpeting it, and switching her utility supplies
“Joan” commented: “I was very apprehensive about moving from my old home at first, but felt I had to go for my own safety. Luckily I was offered a new property and although I got less compensation I accepted it.
“Mick’s help with the compensation, the social fund payment and all the hassle of moving has been invaluable.
“He has been very helpful throughout the whole process and supported me at every step. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for him. I don’t know how I would have coped without his help and support.
“Now I have moved, I realise this is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I could not be happier.”
Residents Friend Mick Brownsword said: “Joan’s situation is typical. Worried about their safety but concerned about losing valuable compensation they need clear and independent advice to enable them to make the right choice. CAB provide that.
“Thanks to the flexibility offered to this project by Renew we can also help with a wide range of other things such as the practicalities of moving, benefit claims and a whole range of issues which would otherwise prevent people moving and releasing properties to allow the regeneration to go ahead.”
Mary Tomkinson, Health & Regeneration Manager, added: “Stoke City Council and Renew have recognised that many people in Joan’s situation who need to move before their home has been compulsory purchased will struggle to do so without some financial assistance. We are therefore delighted that they introduced a discretionary compensation scheme which we have helped initiate and implement. This is a real life saver for many people like Joan.”