A disabled man from Coleford fears he will be forced to move from his specially-adapted bungalow because he is being made to pay £56 a month bedroom tax for a room he uses to store medical equipment.
Paul Pattinson, 51, moved into the two bedroom bungalow at Beacon View, Coleford several years ago after he became reliant on his wheel chair as his Multiple sclerosis deteriorated.
The former self-employed carpenter, who was forced to give up work when he lost the use of his legs, was homed in the bungalow owned by social housing landlord, Astor Communities, by Mendip District Council which has since paid for the building to be adapted for Mr Pattinson and his wheelchair.
This includes electric hoists above the bed and bath to enable Mr Pattinson to get himself in and out and changes to the doorways to make them wide enough for the wheelchair.
Earlier this year he was told he will have to pay an extra £13 each week for the box room he uses to store a manual hoist used by carers who visit four times every day.
He said: “I was put here in this bungalow now I am being kicked in the teeth for being disabled and on benefits. The manual hoist is the only item in the second bedroom. It is a big piece of kit that needs space to be stored.
“It isn’t fair that I am being made to pay to store it. I wanted to speak out because I think so many people who read about bedroom tax and benefit changes only think of scroungers taking the mick.
“That’s not me. If I could get rid of my disabilities I would but I can’t and I need the hoist to help me. I have lived in Coleford for 12 years and love it here. “I am really grateful that the council changed the bungalow so it was geared up for me. I just want to keep on using it.
“I have some great neighbours and get a lot of help and support from some very kind people who live in this community. If I have to pay each week I will have to move and that worries me.”
Mr Pattinson, who spends several days each months a specialist respite center in Taunton, said finding the money from his benefits to pay the extra charge has left him feeling stressed and said he hopes that because the box room under 70sq ft he may not have to pay up.
He added: “Under the 1985 Housing Act a room under 70sqft is not classed as a bedroom so I want the council to come and look at this room. The problem is they don’t look at us as real people. People with disabilities are seen as an unwelcome burden. I use this property to its fullest and would be sorry to have to move. Even though the council said I wouldn’t be unable to use the garden I have had decking installed by a friend which means I can get up and down the garden in the wheel chair even in wet weather.”
A spokesman for Mendip District Council said: “We’re sorry to hear of the situation that Mr Pattinson now finds himself in, which has come about following a change in national government policy. At the time this property in Beacon View was allocated to Mr Pattison, it would have been suitable for him.
“We do have a small fund to help people who may be facing particular hardship in meeting their rent payments, but there is a lot of demand for this fund and resources are limited. To apply for this fund Mr Pattison should contact Customer Services on 0300 303 8588.
“If Mr Pattinson chooses to, he could re-join the housing register, Homefinder Somerset, and express an interest in a different property.”
Same Difference 