Housing association comes under fire (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Housing association comes under fire

A CIRENCESTER mother has slammed her landlord for giving her the run-around over the installation of a new bathroom.

Julie Burt, who lives in Midland Court, off Trinity Road, has also accused the housing association of confusing standards in its treatment of tenants.

The 42-year-old contacted the Standard this week after she was twice promised a new bathroom and then told she was not eligible.

She claims Swindon-based Jephson Housing Association said tenants in Midland Court were only allowed new bathrooms on the condition they were up-to-date with their rent.

She also believes the housing association, which manages 13,500 homes across the country, is dividing the community.

Julie said: "Everybody on the estate now knows who is on benefits or in arrears, which has not made the situation any better for people like me.

"I can understand to a certain extent that people not up-to-date with their rent aren't given new bathrooms.

"What upsets me is that they keep changing their minds. I think it is disgusting to behave like that and I know of five people in the same boat."

Julie and her 13-year-old son were counting on a new bathroom after she paid off her £83 arrears.

But she then lost her job and slipped back in the red again, although she claims she was still assured of the new bathroom.

The very next day, however, that offered was retracted.

She said: "They changed their minds. I said you can't do that but they said they could.

"They didn't want to know my circumstances. This was underhand and now everybody on the estate knows about my business."

However, Jephson Housing Association has defended its policy towards renovating its properties.

Regional director Roger Glennie said even where residents had a court order against them but were complying with that order the housing association did not withhold bathrooms.

He said: "I can't comment on individual cases, but if a tenant was advised they were in arrears, then cleared their arrears and didn't go back - there wouldn't be a problem.

He added: "We also think it's right and proper to prioritise our resources."