Bracknell Family Faces Housing Crisis After Auction

A Dad from Bracknell has complained about overcrowded and has reacted with frustration as his partner’s dad’s council home has gone up for auction.

A dad from Bracknell is frustrated after the council home of his partner's late father went up for auction.

Richard Blick, who lives with his partner and their two teenagers in a flat in Mitre Place, Warfield, is desperate for a larger property. With their son, 16, and daughter, 15, currently sharing a room, they had hoped to move into the three-bedroom home in Aysgarth, which was home to his partner’s father, Mike Garrett, who passed away in May.

Blick stated, “My partner’s dad lived in that council property for 53 years, and we asked to take over the tenancy.” But instead, the family found the house listed for sale on Rightmove. With over 12 years on the council list and having faced issues with mould in their current flat, he expressed disbelief that the housing association Abri is selling a home when there’s a shortage of three-bedroom properties in the area.

He pointed to the council’s recent decision to spend £2.86 million on acquiring eight new homes, questioning why the housing association is selling when they claim to address housing shortages. “It’s strange,” he said. “We would have bidded on every single house available.”

Blick added, “We can’t get a mortgage as we don’t earn enough. It’s been frustrating and stressful for our family, especially after our partner’s dad passed and with two teens sharing a bedroom.”

He reported that this situation has strained the family, exacerbated by health issues stemming from poor living conditions.

An official from Abri stated that Blick and his family do not qualify for tenancy succession due to eligibility criteria. Tom Mason, Regional Assistant Director of Housing, noted that the decision to sell was based on high maintenance costs and poor energy efficiency, highlighting that funds from the sale would be better spent on enhancing properties or building affordable homes in Bracknell.

Mason also encouraged the family to reach out to their current housing provider for assistance.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter