It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we worked with the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) to raise awareness of David Oluwale’s story.
This opportunity to support such a fantastic association was a real highlight of our Leeds Light Night exhibition and an experience that will stay with us as a charity. A year on, discrimination in housing and homelessness is still, unfortunately, playing a role in our society. We only have to look at recent events during the summer to know that these issues are still impacting our society.
As a charity, we’ll continue bringing these stories to the forefront until we see real social change—until we see that people are treated fairly and equally when it comes to housing and getting the support that’s needed, regardless of race, age, religion, gender, or disability.
David’s Story
David Oluwale was a Nigerian-British citizen who worked in post-war Leeds, rebuilding the city. Unfortunately, he started to experience mental health challenges, which led to his homelessness. During this time, he endured racism, poverty and police prejudice, leading to his untimely death by drowning in 1969 near Leeds Bridge after being targetted by local police. He was just 39.
DOMA has been campaigning relentlessly to ensure that prejudice or discrimination doesn’t lead any more innocent people to the same fate as David.
What are your legal rights?
If you’re concerned you may be discriminated against in your housing journey, know that you have rights and should exercise them accordingly.
The Equality Act 2010
The act means no one letting out a property can discriminate based on protected characteristics. Protected characteristics include:
- disability
- race
- religion or belief
- pregnancy or maternity
- sex
- gender reassignment
- sexual orientation
If you feel an individual breaches the Equality Act, guidance is available on the government website.
What are the different types of discrimination?
Direct discrimination
Direct discrimination can take several forms, including harassment, discrimination by perception or association (someone assumes you fall under a protected characteristic) and victimisation.
In a housing situation, this might look like
- Refusing to let to someone based on a protected characteristic
- Insisting on different tenancy agreement terms based on a protected characteristic
- Overtly treating someone differently during their tenancy based on protected characteristics
Indirect discrimination
Indirect discrimination can be more challenging to spot. However, it can be described as an act or behaviour that seems neutral but puts someone with a protected characteristic at a distinct disadvantage.
An example of this might be possession proceedings being taken against a disabled person for behaviours caused directly by their disability.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of unlawful discrimination—whether direct or indirect—you’re entitled to apply to County Court for damages. However, this isn’t a decision or process to be taken lightly and may require expert help and guidance. On that basis, it’s always worth having a chat with your local Citizens Advice Bureau to learn more about where you stand.
At Simon on the Streets, we’re committed to supporting those currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness in our community here in Leeds and Bradford. Our outreach team work tirelessly to ensure that the cycle of homelessness is broken for good. Their care and support go way beyond finding someone a bed for a night.
If you or anyone you know needs our support, advice or guidance, please contact us.