Claire Kelly, a mother of five from West Derby, Liverpool, says she and her seven-month-old baby are sleeping on the floor of a temporary home because Liverpool Council has not provided a suitable property for her family. Two of her children have chromosome 21 deletion, a rare genetic condition that requires full-time supervision.
Family's temporary accommodation
Kelly and her partner Tony were rehoused at a property on Crawford Close in West Derby after their private landlord sold the home they had rented for a decade. She described the four-bedroom house as “unsafe, overcrowded accommodation that is in major disrepair,” and said it has issues including a bedroom with astro turf instead of carpet.
Kelly said she needs at least five bedrooms to keep her children safe, given their complex needs. She added that she has sent 52 pieces of evidence to the council, but they have said it is still not enough.
Children's needs
Two of Kelly's children have chromosome 21 deletion, a condition that increases the risk of birth defects, developmental delay and learning difficulties. They have no awareness of danger, cannot follow instructions, and suffer from sensory overload, making space essential.
“They can’t be around each other, it’s hard keeping them separated around the house and we’re overcrowded,” Kelly said. She noted that the early help team from social care has seen the property and agrees it is not suitable and is putting the children at risk.
Family's sleeping arrangements
Because the children need to be separated, Kelly and Tony have been using the living room as their bedroom, sleeping on the floor with their baby. “I am stressed, because their needs are so severe, it’s devastating,” she said. “I don’t understand what more the council want from me.”
In an email from the council's housing team, Kelly was advised that two of her older children could share a room, which would allow her and Tony to use a bedroom with the baby. However, Kelly said the property lacks space for baby gates and has high-risk windows that open too far.
Council response
A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “We understand that housing situations can be extremely challenging, particularly for families with complex needs, and we appreciate the impact this can have on those involved. As a matter of policy and confidentiality, we cannot comment on the details of an individual case in the media.”
The spokesperson added that housing applications are assessed in line with the council’s allocations policy, and that demand for social housing in Liverpool remains exceptionally high, with significant pressure on larger family homes.
