‘I’ve been begging for help for months’: Pregnant Luton woman says she's left 'waiting to become homeless'
A soon-to-be mum from Luton has criticised the council after she was served an eviction notice just months before she is due to welcome her first child.
Aliyah Choudhury, 26, claims that since she was served a section 21 notice for her rented property, Luton Borough Council has cancelled appointments and made it difficult for her to speak to someone for help.
She said: “The way they communicate with someone who has these problems (ADHD, PTSD), I am really mentally struggling and I don’t think it should be this difficult. I know that the support they’re giving me is not up to standard at all.”
But the council says it is committed to helping and actively working with her to ‘explore all available options’.
A council spokesperson said: “When the resident first contacted us, we offered her an assessment and asked her to provide further information about her housing circumstances and health needs so that we could identify the most appropriate assistance and follow-up reminders were sent.
“Based on the information available at that time, she was advised of her legal rights – that until there is a possession order, she is not legally required to leave the property.
“This advice is intended to ensure that residents do not leave their accommodation prematurely and inadvertently make their housing situation more difficult. We will then work with them to secure suitable alternative accommodation and provide support throughout the process.
Aliyah works as an employment coach and regularly advises her clients about dealing with the council for housing matters.
She explained: “I can’t imagine how many other young girls out there that don’t have my background of work that actually think this is okay, because it’s not okay. I’ve been begging for help for months now.”
Aliyah, who has been diagnosed with prenatal depression, says that not knowing about her housing situation is extremely challenging as she prepares for her baby girl’s arrival.
She said: I’m being as responsible as I can. The uncertainty right now is what’s the hardest thing.”
The council says its “priority is always to work with residents who are at risk of homelessness as early as possible”.
Luton Borough Council’s spokesperson said: “Once we had the additional information we needed, our Housing Solutions team actively began to work with her to explore all available options.
“This includes support to secure suitable private rented accommodation through our Find Your Own scheme.
“Once we have completed a financial assessment, we will also determine whether she qualifies for assistance with a tenancy deposit and rent in advance.”
The council says it is “committed to providing advice, practical support and ongoing assistance throughout the homelessness prevention process”.