Family evicted for ordering takeaways
A family has found itself homeless for “ordering takeaways instead of paying rent”.
Daniel Eyers and his family, including his four children and eight-month pregnant partner, were evicted by Medway Council from their temporary home in Gillingham last week.
The 32-year-old says officers told him his family made themselves intentionally homeless by failing to pay their rent - instead spending money on takeaways. Mr Eyers admitted he sometimes makes a late payment, but “always pays the money that’s owed”, adding: “We like to treat the children once a week to a takeaway. They don’t usually get much, so it’s a nice treat.
“It was my son’s birthday the other month and we spent £45 but were told by the council we were spending money on non-essentials rather than paying rent.” Mr Eyers, and his partner Lucrezia Worrell, 27, who is a few weeks away from giving birth, can spend between £25 to £40 a week on fast food.
They were in Chatham until April following a section 21 notice, meaning their landlord wanted to end the tenancy. They have been in emergency accommodation since but were recently told their case for housing was being reviewed.
The father-of-four says he’s been offered a house in Tyne and Wear, but wants to stay in Medway.
Mark Breathwick, head of strategic housing at Medway Council, said support was provided before eviction and the council has continued to help since. He added: “Emergency accommodation is provided to people where appropriate.”