Stop The Eviction Of Vicky
| “When it comes to millionaires like Maria Miller who’s got two houses, it’s one law, but when it comes to people like Vicky and those who live in Salford it’s another law…”
City West Housing Trust is set to evict the first Bedroom Tax victim in Salford tomorrow at noon. Vicky, who lives in Walkden, has a second bedroom for when her 15 year old daughter stays and cannot pay rent arrears. The Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation has called for people to assemble outside Vicky’s house tomorrow from 11am “to stop this cruel eviction”. |
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| Vicky is a City West Housing Trust tenant who lives in Walkden and has a second bedroom for when her 15 year old daughter stays. She’s lived there for 14 years but had some outstanding rent arrears that were accrued when she shared her home with her former partner. Most of her current £3,375.83 arrears, we understand, is made up of Bedroom Tax debts.As a consequence of the bereavement of a child, Vicky has also been suffering from severe depression. She is what most would call a `vulnerable person’ – and the code of good practice for landlords and bailiffs states that vulnerable people like Vicky should not be evicted.
Apparently, City West did not inform Vicky that she could apply for Discretionary Housing Payments to cover the extra rent which is the result of the Bedroom Tax. Indeed, as revealed in the Salford Star four days ago, Salford City Council is predicting a £650,000 underspend in its Discretionary Support Scheme (a separate fund from Discretionary Housing Payments) for financial emergencies such as this (see previous Salford Star article – click here). Nevertheless, City West Housing is sending bailiffs around to Vicky’s house tomorrow (Thursday) at noon to evict her, following a court case today at which she had no legal representation… “Everything they said in court just went over my head” Vicky said outside the Civil Justice Centre in Manchester “I could not make out what was going on in court.” Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation has called a rally to Stop the Eviction of Vicky from her home in Salford! “When it comes to millionaires like Maria Miller who’s got two houses, it’s one law, but when it comes to people like Vicky and those who live in Salford it’s another law – and that is to go straight to court to get you evicted just for a few thousand pounds arrears” Mark Krantz from the Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation told Salford Star this afternoon. “The Bedroom Tax is a cruel evil tax” he added And we will be assembling outside Vicky’s house tomorrow to make that she is not evicted onto the street and into destitution.” A statement on City West’s website reads: “Our aim is to help you live as independently and happily as possible. This is why we’re always happy to help and support you, whatever it is you need. City West are dedicated to developing and delivering services that support our most vulnerable customers to maintain their independence and sustain their tenancies.” In a press release issued this afternoon, the Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation stated that “City West told Vicky that she should go to homeless families at Salford Council to get re housed after being evicted.” Stop the Eviction of Vicky * The Salford Star has asked City West Housing Trust for a statement. As soon as the Trust responds it will be added to this article See also Salford Star report on the United Nations in Geneva condemning Bedroom Tax – click here City West Office Invaded by Anti Bedroom Tax Campaigners – click here For further details see www.nobedroomtax.co.uk
Updated 1pm **GOOD NEWS JUST IN** |
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