Jason Sallis, a Big Issue vendor from London, has launched legal action against his housing association, Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), in a bid to secure an accessible home. Sallis, who is an amputee and suffers from ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes, uses a wheelchair on his pitch and at his home in Barnet, North London. Despite his disability, his current home is not equipped to meet his needs, leading to difficulties and damages.
Sallis has been a tenant of NHG since 2014, but his home has consistently proven to be inaccessible for his wheelchair. In 2022, he was moved to a new ground-floor property, but it has also failed to meet his needs. The property's narrow walls have damaged his mobility equipment, and he has suffered from stump blistering due to a defective ventilation system. Sallis has also had to endure burning himself on unshielded radiators.
NHG has previously acknowledged "service failings in complaint handling, communication and confirmation of repair completion" and offered Sallis £1,550 in compensation in 2025. The housing association has also expressed its intention to make a direct offer of a property. However, Sallis is seeking £99,200 in damages and is taking NHG to court without legal representation. He claims that living in the unsuitable property has impacted his health, including two hospitalizations this year.
Sallis's health issues have been exacerbated by his living conditions, according to his claims. He has been hospitalized twice this year, once for a benign tumor on his neck and another for swelling in his legs due to oedema, which he attributes to his living situation. A Barnet Council inspection on 21 September found several issues with the property but noted that there were no category one hazards present.
The inspection did reveal that Sallis is forced to charge his electric wheelchair next to his bed every night, blocking off his escape route in the event of a fire. NHG has planned works on the windows, floors, and heating system in the property. Sallis expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that he has "had enough" and is determined to see the case through to a judge to ensure that no other wheelchair user has to endure similar hardships.
A spokesperson for Notting Hill Genesis stated that the association understands Sallis's challenges and is working to provide him with support. The spokesperson noted that there is a significant shortage of fully accessible ground-floor accommodation across London, which can cause transfer delays. Sallis has been awarded the highest priority banding in recognition of his medical and housing need and was offered a viewing of another home in September, although he did not view the property.
Sallis's case highlights the difficulties faced by disabled individuals in accessing suitable housing. As a Big Issue vendor, he has found solace in his work, stating that he "can't think of life without getting out to do the Big Issue." The case is ongoing, with NHG taking advice on the potential legal action and not commenting further at this stage.
Key points
- Jason Sallis, a disabled Big Issue vendor, is taking his housing association to court for failing to provide him with an accessible home.
- Sallis has faced numerous challenges in his current home, including damage to his mobility equipment and health issues due to the property's inaccessibility.
- The case highlights the need for accessible housing for disabled individuals and the challenges faced by those in similar situations.