I have been homeless for two years, living in temporary accommodation supplied by Lambeth council. Finally last month my dreams came true; I successfully bid for a council flat. The rent was advertised at £121.64 a week and I duly signed the contract and paid the first week in advance. However, a week later, my online account showed I was in arrears. I rang the council, which told me there had been a mistake and my rent was actually £130.69 a week. For a disabled person on a very low income, an extra £470 a year is a lot of money.
My housing officer told me I had to sign a new contract reflecting the amended sum immediately and that as the council had made a mistake, it could legally increase my rent without due process.
