Disabled man can't keep adapted house while away for a year

A DISABLED campaigner could be forced to turn down a dream job because it would mean having to give up his specially-adapted council flat.

Mark Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, has been offered the chance to spend the next 12 months working for ITV in London.

But in order to take up the placement he would have to give up his wheelchair- accessible flat in Edinburgh without any right to return to similar accommodation.

Mr Cooper, 26, graduated with a degree in politics and international relations four years ago and his successful campaign for better information on disabled access to pubs led to a 12-month fixed-term contract as parliamentary officer for Capability Scotland.

He said the job with ITV - as project co-ordinator of a trainee scheme for people with disabilities - was a fantastic opportunity which could help him to find more permanent work.

But current rules make it difficult for him to get appropriate accommodation in London - and also difficult to return to Edinburgh afterwards.

He has been told he cannot transfer to another social housing provider in London - but if he moves out of his flat he will lose his entitlement to social housing because he will be classed as "voluntarily homeless".

He has until June 20 to find somewhere to live if he is going to take up the post.

Mr Cooper said: "I've been on the dole since October and I thought I had finally got a break. ITV have been extremely supportive and they are keen for me to start.

"But I shouldn't have to choose between my house and my job."

The only solution under current rules would be to find a person in a similar position who was seeking accommodation in Edinburgh who would be willing to swap for 12 months.

He said: "I would have to find someone with similar needs in London who would like to live in Edinburgh. It's like finding a needle in a haystack. I can't be the first person to be in this situation - so I am surprised there isn't a system already in place."

Edinburgh South Labour MP Ian Murray said there needed to be more flexibility in the system to support jobseekers with disabilities. And he appealed to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to prove his commitment to social mobility by stepping in to help.

Mr Murray said: "Mark is rightly delighted with the offer of such a sought-after position with ITV. But now he's in an absurd catch-22 situation, where he must choose between a job or a home. This should be proof enough that changes to the system are needed.

"Nick Clegg has said that improving social mobility is the principal goal of the coalition government. But unless he is willing to take practical steps to redress the balance, no matter how honourable his aims they are just words."

Mr Murray suggested someone in Mr Cooper's situation should be able to keep his flat in Edinburgh for a limited period or at least retain the right to a tenancy here.