Benefit cutback appeals rejected

MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 21 February 2014

Mothers living in temporary accommodation accused council bosses of “social cleansing” after being threatened with being moved as far afield as Manchester.

More than 30 women living with their children in single rooms in a Stratford hostel claim they were told by Newham council that their only option for a permanent home would be in Birmingham, Hastings and Manchester.

One claims the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, told them to be “realistic”, and that there were no affordable homes for them. They fear moving so far away would be disruptive for their children, tearing them away from their nursery and local community.

The mothers, a number of them domestic violence victims, claim the council threatened to cut their financial support if they do not accept. Today, protesters were due to pitch tents outside City Hall, and hope to present Mayor Boris Johnson with a petition of nearly 2,000 signatures to convince him to intervene and “halt social cleansing in London”.

The mothers, currently living in an East Thames housing association hostel, want “secure, affordable housing in their communities”. Jasmin Stone, 19, said: “We are battling for our right to stay in London. We will not give up.

“The Mayor stated that we needed to be realistic and that there are no properties in the area. This isn’t good enough. Our children need stability and a long-term, affordable housing solution in London.“

Ms Stone is among 12 women who Newham council offered rented accommodation in London.

But she said they have only been offered one-year tenancies, often above the benefit cap, which leaves them unable to put down roots.

A council spokeswoman said: “Government cuts have drastically reduced the number of properties available. We have worked hard to create local options so we can house as many as possible in good quality, affordable accommodation.”