HOUSING chiefs have told a family to remove £10,000 of improvements from their council home because the next tenant “may not like them.”
Isobelle and Thomas Sault renovated the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms of their Emley bungalow after moving there 12 years ago.
And daughter Margaret Godfrey, 54, from Clayton West, said her parents were told verbally by Kirklees Council they would be compensated for any improvements made to the house.
Mrs Sault, 85, is to move to her daughter’s house because Mr Sault died in August, aged 84.
But the family were told to take down all fittings and decorations at their own expense.
Grand-daughter Emma Roberts, 28, says: “When my grandparents moved in the bungalow wasn’t really liveable in.
“Recently a council inspector came to look at it. We thought he was going to thank us for the improvements, even offer some money.
“But he went straight in and said all the work had to come out, even the doors.
“He said it was because the new tenant may not like it. So we said: ‘Get in touch with the tenant and we’ll let him decide.’ But Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, which runs housing for Kirklees Council, said they couldn’t.
Ms Roberts added: “What use is it to rip all that stuff out? It’s a total waste. It’s only going to end up in Kirklees landfill and then they’ll have to put new fittings in at the taxpayer’s expense.”
A KNH spokesman said: “We are happy to look into compensation for the improvements made by Mrs Sault and we will do an assessment.
“I can’t promise compensation, but we will make an assessment.
“If we have to replace the bathroom or kitchen we will take away the old fittings as part of the job.
“We have asked the family to dispose of a very large fitted wardrobe which is taking up a lot of space and to dispose of carpets.
“I appreciate that moving is a traumatic time and we will give as much support as we can to Mrs Sault.
“We will talk to the family again and hopefully end up where everyone is happy.’’
