Couple frightened of heights ‘horrified’ at council flat supply on 14th ground

On Sep 18, 2024

A cabbie, who suffers from a fear of heights, is begging the city council to rethink their offer of a 14th-floor flat in a tower block. Ali Yaakoubi, currently living in temporary digs with his wife in Bristol, revealed it was their first direct offer for social housing in two years.

Mr Yaakoubi, who takes medication for depression and anxiety, fears his health will deteriorate if they move into the offered Barton Hill flat. In a letter to his housing advisor, he clarified that he had previously stated on his Home Choice application that Barton Hill wasn’t a suitable area for him and his wife.

Before being evicted two years ago, Mr Yaakoubi privately rented a flat in Redland. The taxi driver claimed he’s now being turned down for private rentals as agents are only interested in ‘professionals’ like ‘doctors’ and ‘accountants’.

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While the direct offer is under review, Mr Yaakoubi and his wife were asked to vacate their temporary home on Monday, September 16. If Bristol City Council rejects his dispute over the offer’s suitability, they could lose their housing support.

He revealed to Bristol Live that since the flat viewing on August 30, he’s been having sleepless nights due to the ‘very scary’ experience. He shared that when they entered the lift in the building, they had no idea that the flat was located on the 14th floor, reports Bristol Live.

In a letter penned to his housing officer on September 9, Mr Yaakoubi expressed that the direct offer came as a ‘surprise’. He had previously specified areas in Bristol where they could reside, but these were not recorded on the form.

He clarified in the letter: “Barton Hill, on the other hand, is not an area with which either of us is familiar, nor do we know anyone in this area who could support us.”

“When we went to view this flat, my wife and I were horrified to discover that it was on the 14th floor of a high rise block of flats as we both have a phobia of heights.”

Commenting on the state of the flat, he further added: “The flat itself was in a terrible state and did not appear to be ready for anyone to move into. There were no light bulbs in the sockets and no furniture.”

“We are not in a position to be able to purchase these things for ourselves in bedding, crockery, pots and pans, cooker or fridge, in such a very short space of time, so the property would have lacked basic amenities and been completely unliveable in when the contract said we were supposed to move.”

His GP penned a letter to the council, pleading for them to rethink their flat offer in Barton Hill. Revealing details of the note to Bristol Live, it stated: “He is feeling extremely anxious and has a phobia of heights. A move to a high-rise building is likely to have a substantial detrimental effect on his health. Please can you urgently consider alternative suitable accommodation.”

Responding to the plea, a spokesperson from Bristol City Council declared: “Where possible, we aim to provide those experiencing homelessness with a property that best meets their specific needs. To do this, properties are matched with prospective tenants based on the information supplied during their housing needs assessment, which is completed prior to an offer being made.”

“This assessment asks households to provide us with pertinent information regarding their situation, including health conditions, which is then taken into consideration when searching for a suitable property for the household. As part of the review process, there will be an opportunity to provide further information, which will then be considered on an impartial basis.”

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