An Oldham mum has criticised the council’s social housing system as ‘unfair’ after fruitlessly bidding on properties for five-and-a-half years.

Kim Taylor said she has been bidding on houses since June 2017 while she privately rents.

However, the 38-year-old has been told she will not be offered anything as she is not in the right band – but she can keep bidding on properties.

Living in Greenacres with her husband and three children, who are 14, six, and six months, Kim says the process has put her under stress – with mould and damp issues at her current home.

Ms Taylor said: “I just have massive anxiety, and a really low mood, it just doesn’t feel like a home. I’ve had to pull all my pictures down because the walls are damp.

"I’m frightened to death of it getting damaged.

“It’s not the worst you’ve ever seen. It’s just the walls – it’s been like it since I moved in two years ago. Every time we have a house inspection they say they’ll do something about it but nothing’s ever got done.”

As well as issues with the house, the mum of three said she has had issues with racism towards her husband from people in the area she lives in.

She said there had also been other incidents of anti-social behaviour. 

The Oldham Times: The damp The damp (Image: Kim Taylor)

A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “Allegations of corruption are completely untrue.

"While we sympathise with Ms Taylor’s circumstances, the allocations process is needs-based and demand for social housing continues to grow while the supply is falling.

“Since April 2022 there have been 54 properties with three bedrooms become available and there are 1,756 households seeking a property of this size. 

“We appreciate the tenure of a privately rented property is not as secure as a tenancy with a social housing provider but given the availability of social housing properties we have proposed considering other housing options such as private rented accommodation."

They added: “In regard to the condition of the property, our Environmental Health team visited the property on December 9, 2022. 

"There was a small area of condensation-related mould growth in the kitchen area. The officer also identified water penetration to the wall to the porch which requires rectifying and they have contacted the managing agent about this."

Addressing the incidents of anti-social behaviour, the spokesperson said: “The Community Safety Officer for the area has been in contact with Greater Manchester Police and incidents were confirmed as being reported on March 31, 2021, and April 2, 2021.

"No further incidents have been recorded. Support by the Community Safety team has been offered and was refused.

“For this reason and without further evidence, we cannot at this time review Ms Taylor’s housing application to a higher band.”