As part of an ongoing community housing and regeneration campaign UNISON community and voluntary branch have been supporting various residents associations and networks in their campaigns for housing equality.

This week saw one family under threat of bankruptcy and homelessness in the Laganside Small Claims Court. In the case of San Antone Management Company vs M Mooney, District Judge wells dismissed the case without prejudice.  

Whilst UNISON members protested outside at Laganside Small Claims Court, inside the Judge's ruling set a positive precendent for other people facing similar problems.

Mairia Cahill, Vice Chairperson of the Upper Suffolk Residents Network and UNISON member involved with the campaign, outlined the reality of the case:

"'The case could not have went better from our point of view.  Had the defendant had a ruling against her, she would have had to declare bankruptcy before Christmas which would have left her, her partner and their four year old son homeless. 

"As it stands, the resident and defendant had an opportunity to raise her issues, points were raised surrounding procedures which had not been followed, and ultimately the judge dismissed the case without prejudice when he could have judged on the side of the managment company, as would often be the case.

"We welcome the fact that everyone had the opportunity to have their say, though we have one important observation to make. Taking people to small claims is not the best solution, working with residents clearly is, as this would avoid court costs and legal fees.  

 "We call on all managment agents and  companies to be more forward thinking and proactive when it comes to arrears of service charge, and we also call on all managment agents and companies to do the job that they are supposed to do. 

"That is why the Suffolk Road Residents Network and UNISON held a protest outside Laganside Courts before this case was being heard, to raise awareness of cases like these, and to inform other people that if they feel they have a dispute, then there is one avenue to do this at Small Claims Court.

UNISON organiser Seán Brady praised those involved in the campaign:

"Today's result is a testament to the individual residents and organisations involved in this campaign from the outset and an indication as to how workers and communities well organised can make a difference.

"All involved in the campaign have ensured that a family does not have to face Christmas on the streets and bankrupt. We see this as a good first step and the court ruling must be welcomed. However, the issues faced by the residents represented by Upper Suffolk Residents Network are by no means isolated to one area and by no means resolved. 

"Issues of housing inequality and discrimination affect many communities and resident's. We in UNISON will continue to give our support to our members in challenging extortionate management agents in particular and housing inequalities in general.