Council to reconsider move for disabled mother-to-be

Claire Dixon, 31, who has cerebral palsy and is five months pregnant, lives with her husband in a flat owned by Cheshire Homes in Marske, east Cleveland.

But she said that once she gave birth, her flat would not be big enough for her new family.

"I have no idea how we would manage in this space with a wheelchair and a cot," she said. "We want to buy our own property but within our price range there is simply nothing available.

"When we tried the housing authority I was offered a property for OAPs, but I couldn't even get my wheelchair through the doors.

"I was told a flat is not considered overcrowded until a child is two years old.

"I have enough points to get council housing but nothing is available."

Ms Dixon is being backed by charity John Grooms which helps disabled people achieve independence and campaigns for suitable homes for them.

In a joint statement issued by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Coast and Country Housing, which administers the Housing Register on behalf of the authority, a spokesman said: "We have agreed that Claire's needs should be reassessed following her change in circumstances, with a view to additional priority being awarded to her application for a move."

"In terms of rehousing policy, disabled people are given first consideration for all suitably-adapted properties or properties which could be adapted.

"In Claire's particular case, we will all work over the coming months to identify such a property which will meet her family's needs."

He said Coast and Country adapted 600 properties last year.

"Disabled persons in the private sector are entitled to apply to the council's social services department for a disabled facilities grant.

"The council works with developers to encourage provision of disabled units within new developments. However, with the exception of registered social landlords, our ability to insist on this provision is limited," he said.