Siblings facing double tragedy fear loss of their family home

UNCERTAINTY OVER TENANCY ADDS TO YOUNGSTERS’ GRIEF

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN Local democracy reporter

FIVE grieving siblings may have to move out of their family home unless Broxtowe Borough Council provides a guarantee over their tenancy.

The Starbuck family, made up of dad Stewart, 44, and five children between the ages of 10 and 20, have lived in their Kimberley home for about four years.

Both Stewart and late wife Mandy have dealt with their own separate cancer battles. Mandy died last month, aged 42.

Stewart is on end-of-life care and has been told he has weeks or months to live, leaving questions about where his five children will live after his passing.

Under UK housing law there is a general rule that allows only one successor to a council housing tenancy when the original tenant dies.

In the Starbuck family’s case, when Mandy died, succession moved on to Stewart and now the family is asking the borough council whether an exception could be made to allow Stewart's 19-year-old son, Mason, to take on the tenancy.

Christina Starbuck, Stewart’s sister and the children’s aunt, said there was no written “clarity” from the council whether this was possible.

Christina said a council officer previously visiting Stewart's home said a tenancy would be given to a family member, but “could not guarantee” it would be for the family home.