Family of dying blind man booted out home slam council over “callous” eviction

Blind Man Evicted from Family Home Before Death, Family Condemns Council

The family of a blind man who was evicted from his family home before his death have criticised North Lanarkshire Council for their actions. James Montague, 58, was forced out of his Motherwell home in February while he was in the hospital for a blood transfusion due to stage six kidney failure. Despite a plea from a consultant psychiatrist to allow him to stay in his home due to his deteriorating health, James was still evicted. His brother, Patrick, expressed anger towards the council, stating that James spent his final months in misery in an unsuitable flat. James passed away last week at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, leaving his family devastated over the circumstances of his eviction.

James had been blind and diagnosed with stage six kidney failure, with only six months to live when the eviction took place. A letter from a consultant psychiatrist highlighted the challenges of moving him due to his bed-bound condition. James had expressed his desire to die in the home where his family had lived for over 60 years, appealing for compassion from North Lanarkshire Council.

Previously residing in a housing association flat, James had moved back into his family home to care for his parents. Despite his deteriorating health, including losing his sight and suffering from various chronic conditions, the council proceeded with the eviction while James was in the hospital. The family lamented the lack of dignity and compassion shown by the council during James’s final days.

North Lanarkshire Council declined to comment on the situation, citing legal obligations regarding tenancy arrangements and eviction processes. While sympathizing with James’s circumstances, the council reiterated their adherence to existing laws. Despite holding a tenancy with another housing provider, the family believes that the council could have shown more empathy and understanding towards James’s situation.

In summary, the heartbreaking story of James Montague’s eviction from his family home before his death sheds light on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals dealing with tenancy issues. The lack of empathy and compassion displayed in this case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of considering the human aspect in such situations, especially when dealing with individuals in vulnerable health conditions.