Examples of work supported by the Trust
Benefits
Mrs A had a tracheostomy due to thyroid cancer and suffered from severe breathing problems. She and her husband were living on his part time earnings of £95 per week. She applied for disability living allowance and was only awarded the lower rate of £14.65 per week. Mrs A went to Thamesmead Law Centre who appealed the decision and gained Mrs A the higher rate of £91.95 per week, a huge increase in the couple’s income. They also received nearly £5,000 in backdated benefits
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Harrassment
Mrs J and her children were subjected to racial harassment and abuse by local youths. They had eggs thrown at them and their home was spray painted with abusive slogans. The Council would not move them because they did not accept that the harassment was racially motivated. Ms J went to the RCJ CAB who, with the help of the local MP, changed the Council’s view and gained Mrs J and her family a transfer away from the area.
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Housing
Mr B had mental health problems and was living on the street. He was refused housing by the local authority because they deemed him not of priority need. He went to Central London Law Centre. They challenged the decision and the Council provided temporary accommodation for Mr B. The Council then refused permanent accommodation stating that Mr B had originally become intentionally homeless and that he had no local connection. After seven months of argument and challenges, Mr B was finally provided with permanent accommodation.
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