Hemel resident criticises council after spending 20 months in temporary accommodation

Sophy Faller, who has a mitochondrial disease, says Dacorum Borough Council left her in temporary accommodation for 20 months.

The 33-year-old, of Randall's Ride in Highfield, says she is frustrated by the lack of action by the council.

But the council says the timing of the request and the advent of the pandemic caused delays.

She said: "They expected me to live in the most appalling conditions. I have mitochondrial disease (this is like ME), diabetes, I am deaf and blind in one eye.

"I was living with my mother in Bovingdon, we had a big argument and she asked me to leave. I told the council I was homeless.

"They only put me in temporary homeless accommodation and the place was fine initially.

"Several months after moving in there (April 2019) I bid on a property in Bovingdon.

"I was number two on the list, the property sat empty for over three months. They eventually told me they could not offer it to me.

"At that point I was desperate to move as I had discovered quite a few issues with the temporary accommodation.

"There is no insulation. So in the autumn winter and spring the place is extremely cold. Turning the heating on made no difference whatsoever.

"The hot water did not work properly. I had no cooking facilities as they would not tell me I could be there that long. So I didn't get an oven thinking it is emergency accommodation.

"I was unable to keep many clothes there as they were starting to smell of mildew when the weather turned cold. There was mould everywhere.

"After being there 20 months my health has become so poor I'm starting to think they are never intending to give me anywhere permanent.

"After my MP wrote to the council for the second time, they suddenly offered me property. This was over a month ago. They keep changing the date it is going to be ready.

"Why didn't they offer me the property when the work had been completed?

"They were aware I have extensive health problems. I have had several doctors write to them giving details about my condition. The main problem is the length of time I have been here.

"Having to put up with many issues such as not being able to prepare healthy meals as I don't have a proper kitchen.

"Not having a washing machine so having to trek to the launderette.

"I plan to make an official complaint."

Dacorum Borough Council spokesperson: “Our homelessness service has and continues to be under increased pressure due to the pandemic but we are committed to preventing homelessness and providing temporary accommodation to eligible households throughout this difficult time.

“Ms Faller’s requirement for an adaptable property (due to her additional needs) in a village location, coupled with the timing of the pandemic, has unfortunately meant that it has taken longer than usual for a suitable property to become available.

"This has delayed her from successfully moving on from temporary accommodation but, I can confirm that a suitable property has now been offered and accepted.

“We are currently unable to give firm completion dates for properties, due to the current restrictions when working inside homes.

"Additionally, there are delays obtaining materials and installation of key items.

"We are working closely with our maintenance contractors to ensure that works to our homes can be completed as quickly as possible, whilst ensuring Covid guidelines are maintained.

"The safety of our contractors, employees and residents is paramount.

"All completion dates issued to applicants are estimated as a result of this.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these delays cause as our aim is to move tenants into suitable, permanent accommodation as quickly as possible.”