Body & Soul1 min ago
council destruction of private caravan with personal possessions
4 Answers
a homeless, elderly lady lived in her car (16 months, 2 bitter winters). Hearing of a job (unpaid) and her/caravan could live rent free, so borrowed £1,500 to buy one. The job wasn't as indicated-cum-bullying male decided she leave. An axle broke on the highway, and towed it onto 1st available space, informing Police and Town Council. The latter avowed ok to stay until c/van fixed, only to renege and threaten £100 'damages for trespass' and Court. But she was stuck there without axle repaired/replaced.
In short, council withholding vital papers until 11th hour apart, they removed her c/van soon after she left it May Bank Holiday Friday by pre-booked low loader; only sticking the AMENDED Order to her caravan door the prior evening. County Court Bailiffs would have given her grace to have (least) removed her legal documents/papers and vital medication/ possessions. Instead, the Council used High Court Sheriffs. Two months later she learned which firm took her c/van, but it (and possessions) had been destroyed soon after removal.
She is neither trespasser, traveller or their malicious label of "squatter", just a disabled elderly lady fallen on hard times.
The Council knew by taking her 'home' would ensure she returned to car-living where she has manged another chronic winter - just, but with worsening debilitated health, etc.
It is believed the Town council had a "duty of care", and to make other enquiries. [It is known they don't provide housing].
It is also believed under European Law, what they did (and the way they did it) is illegal? Any help/suggestions, please?
In short, council withholding vital papers until 11th hour apart, they removed her c/van soon after she left it May Bank Holiday Friday by pre-booked low loader; only sticking the AMENDED Order to her caravan door the prior evening. County Court Bailiffs would have given her grace to have (least) removed her legal documents/papers and vital medication/ possessions. Instead, the Council used High Court Sheriffs. Two months later she learned which firm took her c/van, but it (and possessions) had been destroyed soon after removal.
She is neither trespasser, traveller or their malicious label of "squatter", just a disabled elderly lady fallen on hard times.
The Council knew by taking her 'home' would ensure she returned to car-living where she has manged another chronic winter - just, but with worsening debilitated health, etc.
It is believed the Town council had a "duty of care", and to make other enquiries. [It is known they don't provide housing].
It is also believed under European Law, what they did (and the way they did it) is illegal? Any help/suggestions, please?
Answers
Best Answer
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.bednobs - that is not the case. There are only certain categories of homeless people the Council has a duty to house. However, if this person is elderly & in England or Wales she is treated as vulnerable & in priority need & the Council does have a duty to house her if she has connections to the locality where she applies.