L&Q accused of discrimination as it seeks eviction of autistic resident from supported housing
Giant housing association L&Q faces an accusation of “discriminating against” an autistic resident’s “complex mental health and learning disabilities”, as it seeks to evict him for behaviour including compulsive cleaning of his supported care facility.
The housing association is pursuing eviction proceedings at Romford County Court against 67-year-old John Julier, who has lived independently in a supported care home in Ilford, east London since 2013. L&Q took over the property from Outward Housing in 2018.
Mr Julier was issued with an eviction notice in October 2022 following complaints by L&Q staff of behavioural problems and anti-social behaviour beginning in November 2020. He was diagnosed autistic in 2009 and diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety in 2019.
Jade Cummings, Mr Julier’s niece, will represent him in court at the hearing on 22 September as his litigation friend, due to his disability and mental health problems.
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In her defence statement, Ms Cummings argued that L&Q has “discriminated against Mr Julier’s complex mental health and learning disabilities” under the Equality Act 2010.
She said that L&Q asked Mr Julier to agree to a voluntary behaviour contract that he had no capacity to understand or medical ability to comply with, then sent repeated letters saying he was in breach of the agreement when he did not sign.
“This resulted in increased levels of anxiety for John and a sense of being constantly bullied and picked upon by L&Q who failed to consider and take on board his learning needs,” she claimed.
Ms Cummings alleged that the behaviour that led to Mr Julier’s eviction happened during COVID lockdowns, when his mental health declined. This included compulsive cleaning of the building from 3am, swearing and threatening behaviour towards staff. On 8 February 2023 Mr Julier admitted to putting a cigarette in a bin, causing a fire, following which L&Q contacted the fire brigade.
Since December 2022, Mr Julier has been seen by a psychologist and a psychiatrist to help him manage his obsessive compulsive disorder, Ms Cummings said.
Since January, he has been on anti-anxiety medication and now sleeps at night and cleans at a more sociable hour, she added.
She said that Mr Julier has “gained the affection of residents who often wish him well, give him cards and gifts, and appreciate his good work for the housing accommodation”. If evicted, she said, Mr Julier’s mental health “will suffer dramatically”.
She also alleged that L&Q failed to note Mr Julier’s autism on its records when it took over the Ilford property from Outward Housing in 2018. L&Q amended its records in April 2023, Ms Cummings said.
A spokesperson for L&Q told Inside Housing it would not comment on live court proceedings but said it would provide a statement after the court date on 22 September has taken place.
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