Family told to wait seven years for a council home

The block of flats on Ronaldsay Spur in Slough were the family currently live

A family of six has been told they will have to wait seven years to move out of their council flat despite their children's needs.

Sabrina Kelly lives in a two-bedroom top floor flat on Ronaldsay Spur, in Slough, with her partner and four children, who all have complex special educational needs.

She said her youngest son had little understanding of danger, which means he needs to be constantly supervised.

Slough MP Tan Dhesi was told by Slough Borough Council she would have a "considerable wait" before her application could be considered.

Ms Kelly first applied for a more suitable home in June 2022.

She said: "It's quite stressful. I've explained to Slough Borough Council that I need space.

"I've given them medical details and letters to say this place isn't suitable and they're just not taking me seriously.

"They told me I'm on the housing waiting list but I've got to wait another six to 10 years."

She has also sent the council evidence, including special educational needs assessments and a letter from her son's school, all outlining her children's complex needs.

These include the need for outdoor space, space to calm down, and somewhere safer for her youngest son.

In response to Mr Dhesi the council said: "Ms Sabrina Kelly's application has been placed into Band B for three bedroom accommodation.

"Due to the shortage of larger social housing units within the borough there will be a considerable wait before we can consider Ms Kelly's application."

Ms Kelly's case comes after Slough Borough Council was reported to have the longest waiting times for social housing anywhere in England outside London – with an average of six years.

A spokesperson told the LDRS that while Slough Borough Council has 5,970 council homes, 5,894 of them were occupied as of January.