Former nurse says she was left homeless after seeking council help

A former NHS nurse from Glossop says she has been left sleeping in a tent after being told she was not a priority for emergency housing.

Olivia Hill, 33, who says she has lived in Glossop for 29 years, became homeless at the beginning of last month after previously living with family in the town. 

Ms Hill said she initially stayed at a hostel in Manchester before spending time at another hostel in Cornwall. She later returned to Glossop, where she says she was sleeping in her car before approaching High Peak Borough Council for help. 

The former registered nurse, who worked in Accident and Emergency for 12 years before ill health forced her to stop working, said she has been struggling with severe mental health problems and alcohol dependency. 

She asked to be admitted to hospital but was told she did not meet the threshold for admission and would instead be managed within the community. 

Ms Hill made a homelessness application to High Peak Borough Council on 9th June but says she was told she was not considered a priority for emergency accommodation. She is single and has no dependent children. 

She also said she is currently receiving the basic rate of Universal Credit and was expecting her benefits to increase. 

Ms Hill claims council staff later provided her with a tent, sleeping bag, food bag and vouchers for Tesco and Greggs in the car park of B&M in Glossop after she explained she had nowhere to stay. 

Speaking about her situation, Ms Hill said "I’m going through a bad patch with severe mental illness and alcohol. Begging for help and getting none. Given a tent and a sleeping bag from the council. 

"Paid all taxes and never claimed or asked for anything. Completely failed and let down by this country, NHS and local government. So, so sad.” 

High Peak Borough Council has disputed parts of Ms Hill's account. 

In a statement issued to the Glossop Chronicle Executive Councillor for Housing, Councillor Fiona Sloman, said: 

"The Council takes its responsibilities under homelessness legislation very seriously and conducts thorough enquiries into the circumstances of every individual who approaches us for assistance. 

"However, the Council does not have a statutory duty to provide interim accommodation to every person who presents as homeless. Each application is assessed on its own merits and in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements. The Council does not provide tents or advise individuals to camp. 

"The outcome of any homelessness assessment is communicated directly to the applicant, and where an individual is dissatisfied with a decision, they have the right to request a review. 

"We are currently in direct contact with Ms Hill and are providing assistance in relation to her housing situation. 

"While we recognise that some applicants may be dissatisfied with the outcome of their application or the service they have received, the Council is satisfied that it acts in accordance with its duties and obligations under homelessness legislation." 

Ms Hill said the council was continuing to review her case.