A Frome resident has raised concerns about conflicting social housing policies that have left her family of six in overcrowded conditions, despite being classified as a priority for rehousing.
The family currently lives in a two-bedroom flat and has been placed on Somerset Council’s Gold Band priority list, which indicates an urgent need for housing. The council has stated that the family is eligible for a typical three-bedroom house.
However, the resident says that conflicting policies from housing associations in Somerset mean the family is considered too large for any standard three-bedroom property unless it includes additional space, such as a dining room or parlour. Without this extra room, the property would still be classified as overcrowded.
“We are being blocked from bidding on three-bed properties because, according to the housing associations’ policies, our household size requires either a larger three-bedroom home with extra space or a four-bedroom home,” the resident says.
“This restriction leaves us without access to suitable properties, even when they are listed as available in our area. We are essentially stuck in a loophole where no one will place us in a property, despite clear eligibility. The council advises that they do not manage property specifications, which are determined by the housing associations. But these associations, in turn, cite council policies as restricting our access.
“The constant overcrowding is taking a serious toll on my family’s mental health. We need a solution urgently, as we can no longer manage under these conditions.”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “While we do not comment on individual cases, we always try to work closely with families to find suitable homes to meet their needs. We are aware that some landlords advertise three-bedroom properties as suitable for five people (due to bedroom sizes), which means households with larger families may be prevented from bidding on these homes. We would encourage anyone struggling to find a home to get in touch via our website www.somersetgov.uk/housing-support/homefinder-somerset.”
A spokesperson for Aster Housing, one of the main housing association providers in the town, said, “As this person is not an Aster customer, we are not in a position to comment on their particular circumstances. However, we can confirm that we are a partner of Somerset Council through the Homefinder Somerset choice-based lettings scheme and that we work in line with the mutually agreed policy when allocating our homes.”
Pictured: County Hall