A YOUNG mum-of-two is trapped living in a single room at a bed and breakfast.
Rose, 21, and her daughters have no choice but to see out the day-to-day cramped together in a south London accommodation.
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Currently only able to work part-time while she studies to be an air controller, private renting isn’t an option for the single mum.
But times are getting tough as not having their own toilet and enough space to play is taking its toll on Rose’s five and two-year-old.
She told Sky News: “My firstborn still wears nappies because in the middle of the night she can’t just get up and go to a shared toilet with all these people that she doesn’t know.
“My baby – it took her time to walk because she didn’t have enough room and she couldn’t use the baby walker.”
Living in fear they could be homeless at any minute, Rose said she is in constant contact with Croydon Council in the hopes a more permanent property becomes available.
But in a recent call with the local authority Rose was told London has “no social houses”.
She claims that she would have to leave the capital if she wanted a more secure base.
But an investigation found dozens of empty houses a short drive from where Rose currently is in Streatham, Lambeth.
The homes were earmarked for redevelopment seven years ago – with any sign of building works yet to take place.
Lambeth Council said: “Lambeth is committed to bringing empty homes back into use as quickly as possible.
“The majority of our empty properties have been vacant for less than six months.”
On Rose’s case, council bosses said: “We have been working with our resident to find more suitable accommodation that meets their needs and have identified a permanent home that we will offer them soon.
“Croydon has been impacted by an increase in homelessness and a London-wide housing shortage.
“Unfortunately, this means that there are not always permanent homes available for families as quickly as we would like.”
How to found help if you’re made homeless
According to a help for homeless organisation, councils or local authorities have a duty to help those who find themselves without shelter.
Housing options that should be available to those who need it are:
- Emergency accommodation – which is a place in a shelter or hostel
- Longer-term accommodation – an independent living space or social housing
You can use the Government website to find your local council.
