Olivia Hill, 33, is sleeping rough in a B&M car park after High Peak Borough Council gave her a tent and food vouchers instead of emergency accommodation. Ms Hill, a former registered nurse, said she was told she was too 'high risk' for shared housing due to mental health issues and could not be admitted to hospital because she 'did not meet the criteria'.
Council response to homelessness application
Ms Hill made a homeless application on June 9. The council issued a 'not in priority need decision', stating it was 'not satisfied' she was vulnerable 'as defined'. The council said it would continue with 'trying to relieve your homelessness as part of the ongoing relief duty' and refer her to a housing association for support.
Ms Hill said she was given a tent, sleeping bag, and vouchers for Tesco and Greggs in the B&M car park. She could not eat some food due to lack of cooking equipment. She had been sleeping in her car for three days before receiving the tent.
Mental health struggles
Ms Hill has 'severe' and fluctuating mental health problems, including borderline personality disorder. She said: 'I don’t meet mental health criteria despite having an extensive mental health history. Now they’ve left me with a tent and a food bag as I'm not a priority apparently for housing.' She added: 'I have been completely failed by the NHS and local government.'
She spent time in hostels in Manchester and Cornwall before returning to Glossop with no money. She is single with no children and claims the lowest amount of Universal Credit, expecting an increase next month.
Council's ongoing duty
The council's homelessness team continues to check on her welfare. High Peak Borough Council was approached for comment but did not respond. Ms Hill said she does not know when the 'ongoing duty relief' will end, leaving her in limbo.
