Six-Year Council House Agony for Mother and Autistic Son
A mother and her autistic son have been trapped in a six-year-and-seven-month battle to secure a council home, forced to live in a private rental described as damp, mouldy, and infested with mice and slugs.
Judith Mackay, 53, and her 24-year-old son Callum, who is autistic, are currently residing in a three-bedroom privately rented house in Blaydon, Gateshead. Despite bidding on local authority properties every week for over six years, Judith has not been offered a single property.
Dire Living Conditions and Mental Health Toll
The family's current home is in a severe state of disrepair. Judith described the property as having rotting floors, significant dampness throughout the bathroom, kitchen, and her son's bedroom, and an active infestation.
"It's just horrible. It's freezing and it's damp. It just gets you down," Judith said. "We have had mice and slugs. There's even been slugs in the bathroom. Everything is rotten and the floor is moving."
She also reported a tree stump growing inside a kitchen cupboard, believed to be from an unremoved root system after an extension was built. The situation has taken a severe toll on both their mental health, with Judith stating she struggles to sleep and her son prefers to be away from the depressing environment.
Despite the conditions, Judith pays £695 per month in rent and is never late with payments, though she worries about potential rent increases.
Anxiety Over an Uncertain Future
The lack of a secure, long-term home adds another layer of stress. "It's very stressful living how we are. I just want security for me and my son," Judith explained. "I have got too old for moving around and not knowing."
Her concerns are compounded by her son's specific needs. Callum has only recently gained the confidence to travel independently by bus to visit his grandmother. Judith fears that if they are placed in a multi-storey flat in Gateshead, the noise and potential for people loitering could severely impact his progress and mental well-being.
"I don't want him to lose his confidence," she said. "He would be frightened to come home if someone was loitering in the doorway. They don't seem to take that into account."
Council and Landlord Response
A spokesperson for Gateshead Council expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by Judith and her son. They explained that priority for council homes is based on housing need rather than waiting time, meaning those with greater need are considered first.
The council has advised Judith to widen her area of choice, as turnover of houses in her preferred locations is low and demand is high. They confirmed their private sector housing team is aware of the property's condition and "will take appropriate action if repairs are not carried out to the required standard."
The property is owned and managed by Woodlake Group. A spokesperson for the company stated they take tenant concerns seriously and have clear records showing that repairs and improvement works were carried out promptly in September. They claimed to have not heard from the tenant since follow-ups on 26 September and encouraged Judith to contact them to resolve any further issues.
Judith's plea remains simple: "I don't want to spend another Christmas in this house. I want somewhere that is safe to live."
