A council house tenant in Caerau, Cardiff, is on the brink of losing his lifelong home after the council told him the property he occupies is too big for his needs, following the death of his brother and father.
The 51-year-old had shared the semi-detached three-bedroom property in Heol-Yr-Odyn with his two family members, both called David. Darren's brother died suddenly last July at the age of 53, and in November he lost his 77-year-old father.
An offer of a one-bedroom property was extended to Darren, but other family members claimed that would not suit his needs as he had severe learning difficulties which meant he was unable to read or write. He has been the sole tenant of the home since losing father and brother, but family members have been taking turns to stay with him to make sure he has the support he needs. You can get more Cardiff news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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The two deaths have left Darren crippled by anxiety and depression. He said: "I just feel suicidal and depressed all the time. I won't be able to carry on if I have to move." You can read the full article by clicking here.
Cardiff Council said the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Darren being re-homed were due to considerable demand for larger family homes. But after WalesOnline shared Darren's story on social media, hundreds of people commented, but were left divided over what should happen to him.
Claire Jervis argued the outcome was inevitable, saying: "I live in a housing association house. From day one, I know I don't own the house. If I spend money decorating the house then that's a choice I make. I know just because I spend money on this house it doesn't make me more entitled to live here. Not sure why people think they have the right to live indefinitely in a house they don't own. If you want that security you would have to buy your own house." But not everyone was of a similar opinion.
Lyn Davies replied to the comment highlighting that the family had been in the home for over 50 years, stating "shame on them" referring to the council for removing him from his residence. Others agreed, with Rob Gaynor stating: "Let us hope you are one of the obliging tenants when the time comes", arguing that the situation wasn't necessarily an easy one when you were in the middle of it.
Others thought more compassion needed to be shown to Darren and the situation he was in. Lisa Summers said: "This is sad that this man has lost his family and is grieving. Perhaps they should allow him to stay in the house for six months to give him some time. On the other hand, there are thousands of children being forced to sell their family homes to pay for their parents' care, leaving them homeless with no offer of social or council housing."
Susan Beddow said: "Sadly it is normally written into all council contracts that if your home becomes under occupied they have the right to remove you to a more suitable property. I can see both sides of this argument as it is hard to leave the house you have lived in all your life. Then again there are families in two-bed flats that require three-bed houses. Problem is councils do not seem to think that hitting someone with this just after a loss is extremely distressing. At least leave it a month ot two first. Also, I think all tenants should be made aware of the clause and so should their families to help reduce the stress. I know a lot of people who blindly sign the contract without reading it first."
Nick Rix responded to the story, stating: "As much sympathy I have for his circumstances the truth is that any council house occupied by less people than bedrooms should be exchanged for somewhere smaller. There are so many families living in bedsits and temporary accommodation because there are no properties available. If he is downgraded to a one-bedroom he can easily buy a sofa bed for when family need to stay to look after him. Or perhaps he is better living in assisted living with staff on site to help him."
Other comments on the article suggested the council response was not appropriate. Sarah Jane Gaffney said: "I do understand that the house could be used for a family but it seems so heartless to make him move away from the support system he has into a property that means no-one can stay over with him as they have been. Surely with his issues they should realise what they are offering isn’t actually appropriate. I hope he gets some help, bless him."
User Ryan1584 defended Darren stating: "This isn’t about being a ‘scrounged’ which many are labelling him as. It’s about a vulnerable gentleman wanting to stay in the home he has lived at for 50 years, where he feels safe and has what he needs around him. The family seem to have tried to find a resolution with the council so that no-one goes without but they aren’t prepared to support it."
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