Redditch Mum Upset After Council Blocks Her Requested House Move

My friend Annie lives near Redditch. She is 27 years old. For four years she has tried to improve her home. Annie found someone for a house swap. It was a two-bedroom house. The council stopped the exchange.

The council said it would be overcrowded. Annie thinks this is crazy, and unkind. She lives in a one-bedroom flat now. A two-bedroom house with a garden would help. Her current home impacts her health. She contacted local councilors. They sympathized but cited policy.

Annie has three young kids. She has a son, four, and two daughters. They are one and two years old. She knows it would still be crowded, but a garden and extra room would help.

Annie got a letter from the council. They know it is frustrating. They must follow their rules. The letter says Annie is on band 2. She is waiting for a three-bedroom house. The swap was for a two-bedroom place. That would still be overcrowded, it said. Chris Bloore MP replied to Annie. His office will contact the council.

The council said Annie was solo when they housed her. Her family changed. They know it is crowded now. She needs a three-bedroom home, the council said. The swapped house would give a little more room. It would fail to meet her needs. They can’t allow known overcrowding per law. The council is helping Annie find a home. They told her to seek three-bedroom swaps and bid.