A disabled man from Coleford fears he will be forced to move from his specially-adapted bungalow because he is being made to pay £56 a month bedroom tax for a room he uses to store medical equipment.
Paul Pattinson, 51, moved into the two bedroom bungalow at Beacon View, Coleford several years ago after he became reliant on his wheel chair as his Multiple sclerosis deteriorated.
The former self-employed carpenter, who was forced to give up work when he lost the use of his legs, was homed in the bungalow owned by social housing landlord, Astor Communities, by Mendip District Council which has since paid for the building to be adapted for Mr Pattinson and his wheelchair. This includes electric hoists above the bed and bath to enable Mr Pattinson to get himself in and out and changes to the doorways to make them wide enough for the wheelchair.
Earlier this year he was told he will have to pay an extra £13 each week for the box room he uses to store a manual hoist used by carers who visit four times every day.
He said: “I was put here in this bungalow now I am being kicked in the teeth for being disabled and on benefits. The manual hoist is the only item in the second bedroom. It is a big piece of kit that needs space to be stored. “It isn’t fair that I am being made to pay to store it. I wanted to speak out because I think so many people who read about bedroom tax and benefit changes only think of scroungers taking the mick. “That’s not me. If I could get rid of my disabilities I would but I can’t and I need the hoist to help me. I have lived in Coleford for 12 years and love it here. “I am really grateful that the council changed the bungalow so it was geared up for me. I just want to keep on using it.
“I have some great neighbours and get a lot of help and support from some very kind people who live in this community. If I have to pay each week I will have to move and that worries me.”
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