A FAMILY from Thornbury has criticised a housing society for forcing a disabled woman to move out of her childhood home.

The family of Kerry-Ann Caise, 27, who has severe learning difficulties, had expected her to take over the tenancy of her two-bedroom childhood home in Hamble Close after her dad Gordon died aged 62 last month.

Mr Caise was the sole named tenant of the property, and housing authority Merlin has decided to give the tenancy to his partner instead of Kerry-Ann.

Kerry-Ann had been living there with her dad since she was three, while his partner has only been there a few years. 

Since her dad’s death, Kerry-Ann has been living with her grandmother across the road.

Kerry-Ann’s aunt Susan Payne said: “By moving her to a new place, it would cause all kinds of problems. She has already begun to feel suddenly anxious and unsettled and it isn’t fair on her.

“While we believe Gordon’s partner would be living alone and thereby under-occupying the home, Kerry-Ann would need a two-bedroom home as her disabilities require her to need a carer.

“As such it would make much more sense to keep her where she is, close to her family who can help take care of her, while she gets the independence she deserves.”

Given that Mr Caise was not married to his partner, nor was she named on the tenancy when he passed away, the family has complained to Merlin as they believe Kerry-Ann was unfairly overlooked.

But the housing authority has responded by saying that the decision fits within the law and that Mr Caise’s partner is entitled to succeed the tenancy on the property under the rules set out in the Housing Act 1988.

A spokesman for Merlin told the Gazette: “We’d like to offer our condolences to the family following Mr Caise’s death. 

“By law it is the tenant’s partner who has the statutory right to succeed the tenancy if they choose to do so and not the tenant’s children. 

“However, we have been working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to assess Miss Caise’s housing needs to ensure we help her find somewhere suitable to live.

“We have been in regular contact with the family and would like to reassure them that we will continue to offer support to Miss Caise to help her find a home that meets her needs.”

Mr Caise’s partner declined to comment on Miss Caise’s wish to remain at her childhood home when approached by the Gazette.