A former Brent Council worker and army veteran is facing eviction despite being promised a "home for life" in his employment contract. John Card, 78, worked as a caretaker at Kingsbury Primary School for 28 years and was provided with a house as part of his job. However, the local authority now says he no longer meets the criteria for rehousing due to changes in housing policies.
Contract Dispute and Repair Issues
Mr Card claims his contract, signed in 1996, guaranteed that he would be rehoused if he had to leave the property. However, the school has stopped maintaining the home, leading to serious disrepair, including a rat infestation. His union, the GMB, alleges that the council is deliberately neglecting the property to force him out.
"I would never have signed my contract if I thought there was a risk I wouldn't be rehoused," Mr Card said. "All I'm asking the council to do is honour the contract I signed."
Council's Position
Brent Council stated that its housing policy has changed and now only offers priority rehousing to employees with qualifying service before August 1990. Since Mr Card's contract began in 1996, he does not meet this criterion. The council advised him to make a homeless application, which it described as "standard practice" for those threatened with homelessness.
A council spokesperson said: "Mr Card's contract provided for rehousing in accordance with the council's housing policy at that time. Policies are regularly reviewed, and discretion could not be applied due to the time gap."
Union Response
GMB Senior Organiser Lisa Bangs condemned the council's actions: "This eviction is a disgraceful way to treat a man who served the borough for decades. The tactics being deployed to push him out are dehumanising."
The union claims Mr Card was never notified of policy changes and has tried repeatedly to resolve the issue, including writing to council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt, but the council has refused to engage meaningfully.
Next Steps
Mr Card approached the homelessness service in May 2025 and was assessed, but the council says there has been no further contact since. The council remains committed to working with the GMB to ensure Mr Card receives appropriate advice and assistance in securing suitable accommodation.
