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Anger as house swap vetoed

9:17pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in


A family of nine living in a three-bedroom house have been told they cannot move into a larger home because of overcrowding fears.

Lindsay and Justin Pritchard and their seven children have been on West Oxfordshire District Council’s housing list for four years.

The council recognises they are living in overcrowded accommodation but when Mrs Pritchard arranged to swap her home for a four-bedroom house in Bampton, Oxford Citizens Housing Association told her it would not allow it.

Mrs Pritchard, 28, of Fox Close, Bampton, said: “We are really struggling with space.

“It’s so cramped.”

Philip Brady, Ocha’s head of neighbourhood services, said the other house was too small, and added: “It would not have solved the problem as it would still be overcrowding.”

A council spokesman said suitable properties for the family rarely become vacant.

Housing charity Shelter said families in over-crowded rented homes often had to wait years to find a suitable-sized home.

Comments(35)

oval yellow says...
9:42pm Thu 18 Mar 10

“We are really struggling with space.

“It’s so cramped.”

Well don't have so many children then. It's not rocket science...

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Englishman says...
11:36pm Thu 18 Mar 10

Try sterilisation first or is it a case of more kids more benefits?

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Niko Bellic says...
11:57pm Thu 18 Mar 10

Shouldn't of had so many flipping kids then!

I like dfs sofas but I don't have space for seven and therefore don't buy more! Mrs Pritchard should think about keeping her knees together in future before she informs the local community of how hard she has it via the Oxford mail. Jesus what a moronic pair!

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R ob says...
7:30am Fri 19 Mar 10

Some of us only have two children as the mortgage on a bigger house is just out of reach! Try and buy one darling then you can have what you want? It's a simple concept I know!

No sympathy for you and your family at all, you made the decisions in life so be quiet and get on with it. It seems the least you put into our great nation the more you seem to get back! Are your benefits and tax credits hard to live on too? Try getting out of bed, going to work and providing for yourself, how dare you complain in public about this!

What makes you think you have the God given right for the rest of us to provide for you, makes my blood boil!!!!!!!!!

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same old says...
8:47am Fri 19 Mar 10

Agree with everyone above. Its a bloody joke, what gives you the right to moan about the situation you are in, when you got yourself there ! Im a married woman with 2 young children, with a mortgage and living on just my Husband wage, no one seems to look down on us and say, you are doing a great job lets help you out ! we struggle every month like lots of people who are doing it the RIGHT way in life. Im not looking for help, we decided to have children and a Mortgage, but why is it they help the wrong people who I must add have more spare money a month than we do, oh and the latest phones and gadgets ! moan over.

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AngelB says...
9:03am Fri 19 Mar 10

I agree with all the above comments.

Have these moronic idiots never heard of contraception? If they don't have enough space then stop breeding . . simple!

I hate the thought of all us hardworking people paying tax in order to keep these spongers in ever larger properties and ever increasing benefits!

We should limit claimants to having 2 kids, after that no additional benefits and no moving to bigger houses . . then watch condom sales soar!

Doubtless had they moved to the other house they would have complained again until their offspring had a bedroom each!

They disgust me.

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whateverminger says...
9:29am Fri 19 Mar 10

having 7 children is way over the top, but after reading all the comments above, i did want to say that not once in the story does it say that they are both unemployed. For all you know they may be contributing to the tax system and not sponging off the state. You do not need to be a waster to register on the housing list. i think they would be pretty silly to be in the newspaper and not be working, surely they would know it would cause a lot of anger. The council offer these services etc for people who need them, they obviously need larger housing because they have a larger family. i do def agree that they should of stopped having children earlier!

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same old says...
9:54am Fri 19 Mar 10

Im not saying for one minute that people who are on the waiting list for housing are all wasters. Im sure Mrs Pritchard dont have time to work unless she works evening, and people can work under a certain amount of hours a week before it effects any of their beneifits !

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Niko Bellic says...
11:22am Fri 19 Mar 10

I couldn't care less if they are working or on benefits. You may have noticed that I didn't mention that in my previous message. That said, Mrs Pritchard would have spent the majority of the last several years on maternity leave!

The point is they want to live outside of their means and at the expense of tax paying public.

Also, the article states they have been on the housing list for 4 years, yet there are clearly kids in the photo who are under the age of 4!

Perhaps if they couldn't afford to house the extra kids they should have stopped before knowingly putting themselves in an overcrowded position while fully expecting the rest of the general public to fund it.

How DARE they have the sheer audacity to complain on such a public forum that they are being hard done by. How dare they demand to be looked after, having put themselves in this position. How DARE they stoop so low as to put their urges before those of the children that inevitably pop out 9 months later with less than a thought as to how they are going to fund or house them, and how DARE they expect sympathy from the people who read their story.

Simply pathetic

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The towny says...
1:22pm Fri 19 Mar 10

As a matter of fact,i am utterly disgusted with the way this family have been stereotyped as scroungers and ppl on benefits!! i actually know this family and they are 2 working class citizens who pay there way and want the best 4 their family!! who are all you to judge on how many children they have! the Pritchard family work very hard 2 care and support their family and are not asking 4 any hand outs! they just wanted answers as 2 why they were denied a 4 bedroom house that became available 2 ease their living conditions! i think their are alot of ignorant ppl in this country,OCHA housing association is one of them!!!!

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AngelB says...
1:33pm Fri 19 Mar 10

The towny wrote:
As a matter of fact,i am utterly disgusted with the way this family have been stereotyped as scroungers and ppl on benefits!! i actually know this family and they are 2 working class citizens who pay there way and want the best 4 their family!! who are all you to judge on how many children they have! the Pritchard family work very hard 2 care and support their family and are not asking 4 any hand outs! they just wanted answers as 2 why they were denied a 4 bedroom house that became available 2 ease their living conditions! i think their are alot of ignorant ppl in this country,OCHA housing association is one of them!!!!
Interesting. You stop short of actually stating that this couple work (or even have ever worked) for a living, doubtless such a huge family is "hard work" but it was their choice.

The article does definately state that they are looking for publicly funded housing, what would once have been Council Housing, which is paid for the hardworking and already overburdened taxpayer.

If these two irresponsible people do work (and how can she possibly have ever been in paid employment - she must have spent most of her adult life pregnant?) then why don't they do what other "hard working" people do and fund their own housing with a mortgage? I'm sure the £hundreds a week they get in benefits should more than cover it!

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Night Star says...
2:04pm Fri 19 Mar 10

I am pleased to see some supportive and helpful comments here. As for the rest, without knowing this families personal circumstances it is unjust to judge.They may not have set out to have seven children but life doesn't always work out how we plan. It should not be a case of you made your bed so lie in it. How ever the situation came about they are now doing their best to improve their families circumstances with the only option available to them at this time without giving up work and becoming in receipt of government benefits (the family commented on the Oxford Mail site informing that the husband works full time). The point of this article is surely to help voice this families situation for a positive outcome, so has the Gazette or Mail spoken to the council about this situation to if and what can be done to help? I wish them all the best and for those who find themselves able to be so critical, you should maybe learn by this families example in improving yourself and life and in doing so become more compassionate and less critical.

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Niko Bellic says...
2:17pm Fri 19 Mar 10

Night Star, are you a mug?

Having more than two children in a 3 bed house is arguably causing overcrowding. 2 sharing in each is probably about the limit. Lets allow one "unintentional" pregnancy. And that still leave 2 rather big errors of judgement.

I would rather my tax money went towards a free IUD for Mrs Pritchard (please note the "free") rather than subsidising a property for their ever growing brood.

What are the odds that in a years time we will be reading a story about a family of 10 or 11?

Get a grip! There are plenty of people who could do with housing through situations they have had no control over and in my honest opinion they should be given priority over those who have plonked themselves firmly in their own problems.

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AngelB says...
2:18pm Fri 19 Mar 10

Whether either of them works or not isn't the point.

If you can't afford children and a place for them to live then don't have them, it really is that simple.

And to say that they might not have intended to have 7, surely after the first couple of kids they worked out where they came from?!

One freeby they most should have taken up is contraception!

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The towny says...
3:12pm Fri 19 Mar 10

AngelB wrote:
Whether either of them works or not isn't the point. If you can't afford children and a place for them to live then don't have them, it really is that simple. And to say that they might not have intended to have 7, surely after the first couple of kids they worked out where they came from?! One freeby they most should have taken up is contraception!
The funny thing is mrs angelB,these parents can afford 7 kids and a place 4 them 2 live!perhaps this family just cant afford 2 buy or rent a property! these ppl are not immigrants asking 4 every tax payer 2 pay 4 them and their family! they are a normal family just wanting easier living conditions 4 them all! why is every1 so quick 2 judge wen every1 is comletely unaware of the circumstances! get off ur high horse!

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kay cole says...
4:06pm Fri 19 Mar 10

Well what a bunch of judgemental idiots!!! I happen to know this family and would also like to add that Mr Pritchard is a very hard working man who works to provide for his family. I also don't understand why so many people jump to the conclusion that they are on benefits. I didn't see any mention in their story that they can't afford their children and also know that Mrs Pritchard is an excellent mother who looks after her children and in fact helps out many others in theit hour of need. I think this narrow minded idiots should actually read the story properly, then they would see that all this family want to know is why when a larger property became available for them that they were not allowed to move into it. I am a mother of 3 and my partner and myself work very hard and we certainly could not afford to buy a property!! I think the comments on here are extremely harsh and judgemental without a thought of peoples feelings!! I think we also know that housing is a problem in oxfordshire and has been for years. I was always brought up that if i couldn't say anything nice then to keep my mouth shut!!!!!

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Niko Bellic says...
5:18pm Fri 19 Mar 10

Kay, as you know the family, can you please tell me why they are on the housing list for a property to be less cramped while still adding to the family? I would genuinely like to know.

And as pointed out, the point of the majority of objections was not regarding benefits and you will realise that if you read more than one or two comments.

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gig says...
5:43pm Fri 19 Mar 10

You try making out that the family is nothing but money grabbing scum but for me anyone that can leave comments like those above need to look in the mirror to see the true scum in this world.
What makes you lot think you have a right to say such things????????
They work hard to get what they have. i might have understood the comments if you were being ask to look after/feed/cloth the children but unlike so many that do live on hand out they do it themselfs.
its about time the people that dont have everything just handed to them get a break.
kay you said it all judgemental idiots!!!!
Mr& Mrs Pritchard your good parent and dont let these narrow minded people make you think any different.

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zannie says...
6:20pm Fri 19 Mar 10

well as kay said,i know this family well and cant believe that so many people are judging them, all they wanted was to know why they were turned down for a four bedroomed house.
Mr pritchard works **** hard to support his family and i as a single parent with a huge mortgatge and two children would never think they are sponging off my hard earned money.
When people talk about contraception and stopping at two children that is there choice , just like it is for people to have as many as they want.Lindsay and Justin chose to have these children and are not asking for hand out, just better housing for themselves

And thanks night star for the positive feed back.

Lindsay and Justin you are fantastic parents and all of your children are a credit to you .



Totally agree with TOWNY :
The funny thing is mrs angelB,these parents can afford 7 kids and a place 4 them 2 live!perhaps this family just cant afford 2 buy or rent a property! these ppl are not immigrants asking 4 every tax payer 2 pay 4 them and their family! they are a normal family just wanting easier living conditions 4 them all! why is every1 so quick 2 judge wen every1 is comletely unaware of the circumstances! get off ur high horse!

And well done

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kabaine says...
6:49pm Fri 19 Mar 10

just to say .i know this family really well. mrs pritchard is a fantastic mum and mr pritchard is very hard working, if you read the article properly they are not asking for handouts -they wanted to do a house swap and ocha wouldnt allow it, it is not upto anyone to judge this family on how many children they have -its their choice, they are all well looked after and are loved .some people have got nothing better to do but moan about anything ,who are you to judge this family.especially as most people who are leaving comments dont even know this family, go get a life and leave them alone,

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Niko Bellic says...
7:30pm Fri 19 Mar 10

and still the question remains unanswered...

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Megan T says...
7:55pm Fri 19 Mar 10

I cant believe some of the disgusting comments people have put on here!! If you dont even know the family how the hell do you have the right to criticise them?! Having known them for years i can personally say they are the nicest people you can ever come across with more morales than some of you lot will ever have! They both work incrdibly hard and their children are the sweetest and most polite. If you are all so concerned about slagging off other peoples lives you need to rate your own....i personally dont see the entertainment in sitting on a forum slagging someone off who you have never met.. GET A LIFE!! Lets just hope that you never need help ay! Lindsey my love you have more friends than these people can ever imagine having!!

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witney lass says...
8:30pm Fri 19 Mar 10

hiya , i have been in the waiting list for 10yrs i only have 2 children but one of each in a 2 bed property , ive tryed getting the council to help when 3 beds have a come up but i lose to ppl with two or more same sex children which in my eyes can share . its not fair to ppl who really need them . i wasnt brave enough to take my story to the papers cos didnt want the bad responce like mrs pritchard is recieving when u dont no her or her family ... DONT JUDGE A BOOK BUY ITS COVER !!!!

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kabaine says...
9:12pm Fri 19 Mar 10

i cannot believe that some thoughless person would say keep her knees closed .i think it should be keep your mouth closed, the pritchards are not looking for hand outs just wants to know why they couldnt swap houses if both parties were up to the swap, some people are nasty ,vindictive and down right rude ,lets hope you are never in need if thats your attitude, do you know how comments like that really hurt people,dont take any notice lindsay small minded people will always exist

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AB100 says...
9:18pm Fri 19 Mar 10

I know Mrs Pritchard and she has to be one of the sweetest people and one of the best mother's.

She is not a bad person and this has hurt her a great deal.

Can people think before they criticise, you do not know her.

Thankfully she knows that people who criticise her and her family without knowing them are not worth worrying about as each one of you are not perfect.

Those who have left nasty comments should be ashamed of yourself.

Mrs Pritchard and family should hold their heads up high

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kay cole says...
10:38pm Fri 19 Mar 10

Well it's been nice to see some positive comments and a bit of support for the family that I know have been upset by the nasty comments left on here. I actually don't see why I or anyone else needs to explain to the nation why Lindsey and Justin have 7 kids! All I can say is that they must be a very happy couple that enjoy each others company. Lets now put this to bed and leave the lovely family alone. The children are at an age that they could read these comments and be deeply affected. You can all carry on having your opinions, but would you be so kind as to keep them to yourselves or maybe if your lifes are all so dull it will give you something to talk about down the bingo hall. I can only guess that you all have lovely perfect lives??? goodnight x

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Niko Bellic says...
8:22am Sat 20 Mar 10

I don't remember who it was but dent one of the people in the pro pritchard camp say "they are not looking for handouts, just somewhere better for their family to live.

Is that not a handout when it can't be done on the private market? People are not born with the right to be allocated housing. And yes is it a choice to have as many kids as you want but you should live with the consequences and not run to the papers when you are not being given what you want.

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Niko Bellic says...
9:38am Sat 20 Mar 10

And in response to all the comments regarding not judging the pritchards and that we should not criticise them for their self imposed predicament, well they gave up that right the minute the decided to go to the paper. Frankly I couldn't care less of they are upset by comments on here. If they can't accept judgement they should not advertise themselves in the local newspaper in, what I can only see as, an attempt to pressure te council into action.

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AngelB says...
9:56am Sat 20 Mar 10

Well said Niko Bellic!

Though for people in their late 20s who clearly still can't work out how to obtain/use contraception I guess it's not suprising that they went bleating to the papers in the naive expectation that everyone would be banging on the Housing Association's door in outrage on their behalf.

On the contrary, most people on here are outraged at them for their gross irresponsibility in burdening society with such a huge brood which they clearly can't afford to house, and worryingly there is still time for more!

They must have known their current 3 bedroom property was sufficient for only two children, the other 5 should have been 'put on hold' until they could afford to house them privately and not expect to move into an 8 bedroom mansion at our expense.

But well done to this family for turning down the Child Benefits . . well I assume this is what their supporters are saying they have done when they say they don't have any 'benefits'? No? Thought not! We are all sick of selfish people like this taking us taxpayers for a ride!

I hope they have to stay in their subsised 3 bed house for good and over time maybe they will reflect on the irresponsibility of their actions.

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Headington-Heathcliff says...
10:27am Sat 20 Mar 10

Just a new angle - what about over-population in the world? Do these fecund people read the news? Are the children immaculately conceived, or do the parents plan a bit of moral blackmail on the housing trust?

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*incognito* says...
12:37pm Sat 20 Mar 10

The fact that they are nice and hard working does not come into it!!

Why continue to have more children when you are already overcrowded and expect the council to sort it out

Lots of people would love big famiies but because we have mortgages to pay we can't just keep having children as no one to bail us out.

Totally irresponsible and if you don't like the comments why go to a newspaper?

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Englishman says...
4:17pm Sat 20 Mar 10

Perhaps people should read the latest leaflet 'Where the money goes' that is going out with your Council Tax bill. WODC spends over 50% of its budget (£22.5 million out of £41.5 million) on housing and council tax benefits alone. (£3million up on last year). Although the Councillors keep saying we need to save money they all seem to have a hell bent notion to please the the scroungers regardless of cost to Society.

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oxo oxon says...
4:56pm Sat 20 Mar 10

funny isnt it that mrs pritchards friends have failed to mention the fact that she and her husband did get offered a 4 bed house in witney and turned it down due to the fact it was TOO small and she was also offered a 4 bed house in clanfield and turnded it down as it was TOO expensive also i would would like to point out years ago when it was the norm for people to have 6 + kids they all manged very well in 3 bed houses. BEGGERS CANT BE CHOSERS !!!

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vinny1973 says...
8:23am Thu 25 Mar 10

Looking at the picture it looks likely that in the 4 years they have been on the waiting list they have had at least 2 more children.
Why? Would you not wait until your situation was easier financially?
Common sense? or more "working famalies tax credit"?????

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tracie173x says...
12:58pm Thu 25 Mar 10

Angel b from witney made me chuckle, she`s made negative comm`s about mr & mrs pritchard but around the time she should of been hard at work? are you not at work or just not doing your job properly? I would love to know your true job/housing situation, because I think your really just upset with yourself!! Ive met lots of ppl like you in my life, just try to chill out and take a long hard look in the mirror love!!

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