'LEFT TO DIE'
I’m a cancer-sufferer being made homeless by council days after my dad died – I’ll be dead within weeks on the streets
The property caters for Rikki's needs with handrails and shower aids
A DISABLED man has claimed he could be made homeless by his council after the sudden death of his dad.
Rikki Tomlins, 56, was reportedly given an eviction notice to leave his home in Erdington, Birmingham, where he's lived since 2009.
5
5
5
He is said to have received the notice from Birmingham City Council just weeks after his 84-year-old father James passed away on December 23.
Cancer survivor Rikki has lived there for 15 years - and his parents for around 40 years before their death.
The dad-of-two fears it will be the "death of him" if he's forced to move as the three-bedroom property caters for his needs, with handrails and shower aids set up.
Rikki told : "I'm worried sick, my anxiety is through the roof. I suffer from anxiety and depression as well.
Read more News
"I don't know what to do, I don't even want to get out of bed anymore.
"If they put me out of the house - I'll be dead within a few weeks. My food comes in packages, they are little bottles.
"They need to be stored cold and I need to feed them through my stomach eight times a day.
"What am I supposed to do with stuff like that, my medicine? The house has been set up for me.
Most read in The Sun
"I've got all barriers set up, bannisters up the stairs and aids in the shower so I can sit down and wash.
"It's just like there is no compassion. They've not taken into consideration what I've said, how long I've been here and my illness.
"It's just too much to think about now. I never thought it would come to this."
Eight years ago, he underwent treatment for throat cancer and his oesophagus was closed up.
As a result, he cannot eat and drink normally and requires bottles which he feeds into his stomach.
Rikki also struggles to walk and receives care from his family, now primarily his niece Kelly.
What are your eviction rights?
YOU don't have to leave your home straight away if you've got a notice from your local council or housing association - this is called a 'notice seeking possession'.
Your landlord has to follow a process before they can evict you and this will take some time - depending on the reason your landlord is using to evict you.
What your landlord has to do
The exact process your landlord has to follow depends on your tenancy type, but they’ll usually have to:
- Give you a written notice explaining why you're being asked to leave and when they want you to leave
- Apply to the court for a 'possession order' if you haven't left by the date on your notice
- Go to a hearing where the court will decide whether to issue a 'possession order'
- Apply to the court to get a 'warrant of possession' if you haven't left by the date on your possession order - they'll then send the bailiffs to your home to evict you.
On January 30, the local authority sent a letter giving Rikki ";Notice to Quit" - meaning he must vacate the premises - by March 3.
A follow-up letter, dated February 22, said the council was considering "commencing court proceeding for possession of the property".
Another letter, also sent that day, said that Rikki would be charged £119.39 for "use and occupation" of the property per week during the "interim period".
Rikki has now been left worrying about how we will be able to afford the rent.
Birmingham City Council said that the tenancy of council homes can be passed down through a process called "succession", where a family member inherits it after a tenant's passing.
But the council said the law "advises this can only happen once" - and this has already happened in Rikki's family's case after his mum passed away and his dad "succeeded into a sole tenancy".
If they put me out of the house - I'll be dead within a few weeks.
Rikki Tomlins
The spokesperson said: "We therefore need to formally end the current tenancy in line with legislation. This is done by serving a Notice to Quit.
"The service is going through the process and making relevant checks to make a decision on Mr Tomlin's situation.
"It is possible he may be granted the new tenancy of the property, but the Notice to Quit has to be served either way."
The spokesperson for Birmingham City Council added: "The council is aware of Mr Tomlins's situation and has been in regular contact with him and his family.
"Officers are assessing the situation in accordance with usual council policies. No decisions have been made regarding his case.
"We understand how stressful and difficult this situation is for Mr Tomlins and his family, especially after the death of a loved one.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"Mr Tomlins and the family have been reassured that any decision made will take into account his medical situation.
"An officer is looking to meet Mr Tomlins and his family later this month to give them the opportunity to ask further questions or provide any further information."
5
5
How 'croaky throat' could be sign of cancer
A 'CROAKY throat' that lasts for more than three weeks could be a sign of deadly disease.
It is one of four symptoms that could indicate you have laryngeal cancer, a rare but life-threatening form of cancer that starts in the voice box.
Head and neck cancers are responsible for over 4,000 deaths a year in the UK.
There are over 12,000 cases a year, so it's important to know the signs of the disease.
As with all types of cancer, the earlier it's spotted, the more likely treatment will be successful.
So if you notice any worrying symptoms, it's important to see your GP as soon as possible.
have said there are four key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for:
Topics