Mother's struggle to feed child after fleeing abuse worsens

In June, The Oldham Times shared the story of Jane, whose name was changed to protect her anonymity after she fled domestic violence with her children. 

Jane had been housed in a hotel in Manchester city centre and had no access to cooking facilities for her to feed her children, including her youngest son, who is autistic and suffers with a number of sensory issues.

Her son, who we will be referring to as Thomas, but has also had his name changed to protect anonymity, struggles to find food to eat ordinarily and has a mealtime routine set by a dietitian. 

The plan involves Thomas having control over what ingredients go into his meals and how they are prepared, with him doing much of his own cooking under Jane's supervision.

Thomas, aged 10, has not been able to eat under his plan for more than two months and has gone up to three days without eating, as his sensory disabilities mean he can become physically ill when trying to eat. 

Thomas, Jane and her other children have now been moved to a hotel, which she had requested and said she is "grateful" for. 

However, Jane said while staying her she and her children have been subjected to anti-social behaviour at late hours, strangers' children entering their room, people being drunk and disorderly and even a man exposing himself to them. 

Jane said: "The most concerning bit is the constant smell of cannabis and I've reported this to the hotel and to the local authority.

"There was also a man who was very drunk who [was exposed], and I was told it was an 'accident' as he apparently 'didn't know' he hadn't zipped his pants up. 

"But my child shouldn't be made to be around this person, and he's on the same floor we're on and every time my son sees him he just gets terrified and goes right behind me because it's absolutely traumatised me. 

"Recently, my son has been sleeping on the floor of the hotel room, because it's a metal bed and his anxiety has meant he's been moving throughout the night, the bed creaks every time he moves and so he's actually sleeping on the floor."

Jane said that she has spoken to the local authority about the situation when a council housing officer called to check in with her. 

She said she told the woman the new hotel was "like an episode out of Shameless" having even found a bag with residue of drugs in a communal laundry room. 

Also having expressed her concerns with Thomas' well-being, Jane said she was simply told that there are "1,700 people" waiting for homes. 

Jane said that she understands there is a high demand for housing help, but that she feels "disappointed" that there is not a direct contact for disabled people or those with children who are disabled.

She said: "The council have a duty of care to provide suitable accommodation for someone with disabilities, and they aren't doing this.

"Thomas' needs are not being met and I just feel that they aren't looking at this how they should be doing. 

"If it was me, not having a cooker in my own house and he was sleeping on the floor and if I had drunken and drugged people around him, I'd have him taken off me for neglect, so why is it acceptable for the council to allow this sort of behaviour."

Cllr Elaine Taylor, cabinet member for housing, said: “The safety of our residents in temporary accommodation is an absolute priority and it’s paramount they feel safe and comfortable.

“Officers are working with the hotel provider involved to investigate these reports thoroughly and ensure any appropriate action is taken as soon as possible.

"We are also supporting the resident directly with access to food vouchers to support them in their current situation.

"On a personal level, I really do sympathise with this resident and her situation, and I want to make it categorically clear that no one should ever have to live in such circumstances."

Jane stressed her understanding that everyone is entitled to accommodation, but said she did not feel it was appropriate for people who are abusing substances and alcohol to be housed in a hotel with families and children. 

She added: "Obviously, after everything that's happened, I'm depressed and honestly, I'm feeling suicidal and once I have suitable housing I can help myself with that but right now, my children are my priority."

An official complaint was launched with Oldham Council by Jane, but she says she was told it could be up to 20 days for them to look into it. 

Cllr Taylor added: "Like other councils across the country, we work as hard as we can with what housing we have available, to suit the needs of an individual and their family in accordance with national guidelines.

“Despite our best efforts this is not always possible because suitable properties may not be available, so we must rely on temporary solutions.

“We do regularly assess the needs of people living in temporary accommodation and if a suitable property comes available, we will move them as soon as we can.

“Sadly, however, we are working in conditions caused by years of neglect from the last government where the need for permanent accommodation outstrips housing demand.

“While we welcome the new government’s initiative to ‘Get Britain building’ we are also taking proactive steps as a council to create new homes for our residents and this includes a commitment to deliver 500 new social homes over the next five years across Oldham.”

Jane said that she has been advised by numerous family charities and bodies to seek legal advice with a solicitor but has said she is reluctant to do this as she "shouldn't have to" and that her main priority is simply finding appropriate housing for her children.

Jane said on one occasion that there was a knock on her door at gone 2am, and when she opened the door, a child she didn't know ran into their room.

She also said that her and her children are constantly woken up by neighbouring rooms shouting and people having arguments on the phone in the corridors. 

The Oldham Times have approached the hotel in question for comment, but did not receive a response.