A man has been ordered to leave the house where he lived for 36 years after the death of his step-dad who he had been caring for over the past 15-years.
According to Stoke-on-Trent Live, Keith Allen, 58, nursed his step-dad Barrie Hamnett but just days after the death in March he was told he has no right to live at the council property.
Stoke-on-Trent Council told Keith that because it is a two-bedroom house he would have to find somewhere else suitable for a single person.
Keith said: "He was my step-dad - but he always treated me like my son. I met him when I was eight and spent 50 years with him. He was born in Meir and we lived in the same two-bedroom flat for 36 years. He was a laundry deliverer to the hospitals and other places around Stoke-on-Trent. He was absolutely lovely. You couldn't meet a better bloke.
"The council came round not long after his death and told me that I had to get a single-bedroom property. I told them I have lived in the flat for 36 years and I would pay the bedroom tax. But they refused."
He added: "I lost the house before I had the chance to even say goodbye to my father. That's the council for you. It is absolutely awful. I want to stop here as it is my home, but they told me there is a shortage and you have got to move out.
"We have been really good tenants. They have asked me to move into a one-bedroom. But I have every right to stay in my own house. They should have more empathy. If I am willing to pay the bedroom tax, I should stay in this house. Why kick me out? It is totally unfair."
The council say Kevin is not eligible to live at the property under their 'allocation policy.'
They say they have put him on a waiting list and will support him throughout the process.
A council spokesman said: “Whilst we fully understand and have sympathy for Mr Allen’s situation, in line with legislation and in accordance with the city council’s allocation policy, Mr Allen is not legally eligible to be allocated the property.
"Mr Allen has been advised that he does not meet the criteria for a two-bedroom house because he is a single occupier.
"We have however reassured him that we will allow him to remain in the property while we support him to move to more appropriate accommodation.
"Mr Allen has now registered on the city council’s waiting list and we will contact him when a suitable property becomes available."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
