A Scottish man recovering from cancer claims he will be left homeless after being put to the bottom of the council’s housing list.
Martin McCulloch contacted Dumfries and Galloway Council’s homeless service after being told he would need to move out of his private let.
The 56-year-old, who underwent major surgery for throat and mouth cancer earlier this year, says he was initially put to the top of the waiting list, reports the Daily Record.
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But after turning down a home in Gatehouse because he wanted to be nearer his support network in Kirkcudbright, he claims he was pushed to the back of the queue.
Mr McCulloch said: “It is causing me more stress and anguish and I don’t need it now – I’m still swollen up, I still have to go to hospital in Dumfries on a regular basis.
“They said I was open to a house in Gatehouse but I had told them before I wanted a house in Kirkcudbright.
“I know for a fact there have been a few houses in Kirkcudbright and other folk have got them. I just don’t know what to do.”
Mr McCulloch, who worked as a builder before his health issues, has lived in Kirkcudbright for nearly 20 years.
However, his current landlady wants to use his home in High Street for a relative, prompting him to get in touch with the council.
He said: “I was offered a house in Riverbank Close in Gatehouse. I was getting put under a lot of pressure to give an answer.
“I spoke to my daughter, who lives with me part-time, and she didn’t want me to take it. Her friends are here, her work is here, my friends are here and my three girls are here.
“At the end of the day I said no – and because I said no, I’m back onto the normal list and start again.”
A council spokesman said: “When someone presents as homeless and is assessed as unintentionally homeless, they are referred to Homes4D&G and Loreburn Housing Association for permanent housing in their chosen areas.
“They are given priority status due to being assessed as homeless. However that does not always guarantee they are number one on the list for any given area as this depends on other cases that may also have priority status.
“If someone is offered permanent housing that is assessed to meet their needs and they refuse it, the homeless statutory duty has been discharged.
“The service will continue to support anyone to apply for housing through the normal Homes4D&G and Loreburn Housing Association process, depending on that person’s situation does not automatically mean they are bottom of the list.
“Offers of permanent accommodation are based on the selected areas by the client and availability of housing in that area."
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He added: “It is normal practice for offers to be made and decisions to be made within one working day. However, in special circumstances this can be extended up to seven days, which was done in this case.
“The service continues to work with all cases and provide housing options advice which can be assistance to apply for all types of social housing and or private sector.”
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