In April 2012 we helped Ms B get a resolution for some of the problems she faced, as detailed by Yiannis Voyannis in his blog post.

However there were some problems that she was still confronting, including the rodent infestation, which Camden council (pictured) claimed had been exterminated despite strong evidence to the contrary. Her new flat also lacked basic essentials such as a fridge and a cooker. Ms B was then unable to install these essential items as she had to spend what little money she had fixing the extremely poor floor situation, neccessary for her son’s extreme dust allergies.

It was clearly unnaceptable for a client to be moved into accomadation where there was no provision for her to store or prepare food safely, as well as a serious rodent infestation.

We therefore wrote a letter of complaint to the local council and managed to secure an assurance that:

• They would deal with the rodent infestation within 20 days.
• Other repairs to the house would also be made within 20 days
• That Ms B would recieve £200 compensation for the distress caused to her by these issues.

Both the money and the assurance that her children would be safe from illness and disease caused by the rodents vastly improved her sense of security and peace of mind.

Written by Rufus Dobson, work experience volunteer.