Lucie Lambourne, a mother-of-three from East Sussex, is contesting her local council’s decision to evict her from her family home. It’s the same location where her mother, Rita Lambourne, was stabbed to death in February. In the wake of the attack on her family’s home, Lucie has found an outpouring of support from community members, advocacy friends, and local elected leaders. She is currently in active negotiations with Southern Housing (SH) for permission to inherit the tenancy.
Lucie Lambourne’s plea comes after she and her children moved out of her mother’s overcrowded home just 12 days before the fatal attack. It was a conveniently arranged family swap, in which Lucie would exchange her SH flat for her mother’s house. Lucie is currently fighting for her right to live in a home with extremely important emotional value. Even with everything arranged, she knows the stress of this fight.
Lucie, 17, opened up about the pain of losing her mother to addiction. In her deeply personal testimony, she shared the emotional fallout her family has suffered since the horrific tragedy.
“My family have been through hell – we’ve hurt, we’ve cried,” – Lucie Lambourne.
And she understands that SH’s future is a long waiting list for housing. Today, nearly 2,000 people are waiting for a place to call home. Lucie makes the case that being allowed to remain in the home would provide much-needed relief from this experience.
“There’s 2,000 people currently on the waiting list for housing, with a property I’ve already stated I will return back to them,” – Lucie Lambourne.
A host of local supporters have come out in support of Lucie’s case. Councillor Christine Bayliss, deputy leader of Rother District Council, emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Lucie’s request are exceptional and warrant SH’s discretion.
“We would argue that these circumstances are absolutely exceptional and therefore [SH] can exercise discretion,” – Councillor Christine Bayliss.
Neighbor Winifred Warner, who has lived on the same narrow road for 51 years, further bolsters Lucie’s case. She has nothing but love for Rita. She does not agree with Lucie being sent back to the flat filled with happy memories.
The housing association knows just how critically important a family home can be, especially after such a tragic loss. On tenancy succession policies, it is unyielding.
“While we truly sympathise with her situation, Lucie is not considered to be in housing need and has no legal right to succeed the tenancy,” – Southern Housing (SH).
A spokesperson for SH further noted that their policies are designed to ensure fairness and prioritize those in greatest need.
“However, we continue to be guided by policies that ensure fairness and prioritise those in greatest housing need,” – housing association spokesperson.
Despite the difficulties, there is much that keeps Lucie optimistic. She hopes SH will understand her circumstances and be sympathetic to her during this difficult, transitional period.
“We’re just hoping that [SH] will use their empathy and their understanding and their power to say, ‘we can help’,” – Lucie Lambourne.
