Family of five on Universal Credit face

A family of five in Rotherham, including parents Amy Winter and Joshua Thain and their three children, faces eviction from their home on Brunswick Street, Thurnscoe, due to unpaid rent. They were ordered to leave on January 31 after months of missed rent payments. Amy and Joshua, both on Universal Credit, claim that Barnsley Council was aware of their situation but didn’t assist them.

Amy, who is five months pregnant, expressed their struggles, saying, “It’s that bad we don’t go out or anything because we’re worried.” She sought help from family but found limited options due to their housing situations. The couple’s only support comes from Joshua’s uncle, who lives far away.

The property belongs to Sanctuary Housing, with the tenancy originally in Joshua’s late mother’s name. Victoria Robertshaw passed away in August after contracting Covid-19.

The family’s uncertain future raises questions about the council’s response to their predicament.