A SINGLE parent is facing an ongoing battle with Bradford Council after she and her child with complex needs have been refused support.

Malika Khan, 43 and her 11-year-old son Marley have been struggling for years and feel they have been ‘failed’ by the council as a recent request for a downstairs bathroom was refused.

The initial inquiry into a downstairs bathroom facility started three years ago and after a lot of ‘chasing’ with the council, and ‘papers being lost’ the request was denied.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Marley has a foot condition which males walking painful- his mum describes it as if he is a 'constant ballerina'Marley has a foot condition which males walking painful- his mum describes it as if he is a 'constant ballerina' (Image: Newsquest)

Marley suffers from several conditions including ADHD, Autism, a learning disability and mobility issues, which are making it increasingly difficult for him to go and up and down the stairs.

Malika said: “He’s still in nappies and he needs assistance, we need a facility downstairs so that I can change him- right now I’m having to change him in the living room and it’s really degrading.

“The council has refused and we’re really struggling.

“Marley has just moved from primary school to high school and he’s not settling in and getting comfortable, so any progress that was made and noted by the council is no longer valid because his environment has changed.”

The assessment was done before Marley moved schools, when he was in a more stable environment as he had been there for five years.

The new school setting, with his conditions, has resulted in regression in his toilet training.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 11year-old Marley with complex needs with his mum Malika 11year-old Marley with complex needs with his mum Malika (Image: Newsquest)

Walking up and down the stairs is painful and having to do this over 32 times a day- 16 trips to and from the bathroom- has resulted in Marley becoming aggressive and frustrated with the situation.

Malika describes Marley’s condition as a ‘constant ballerina’ as he walks on his tiptoes all the time, causing him severe agony.

The changes in Marley’s educational environment are having a detrimental impact on the rest of his life, including life at home.

Marley’s conditions have worsened, and he no longer knows when he needs to go to the bathroom and doesn’t feel the urge anymore- making it difficult to get to the bathroom in time.

“I feel like all my life and Marley’s life has been an absolute fight to get the right things in place for my son.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Marley and Malika in their current bathroomMarley and Malika in their current bathroom (Image: Newsquest)

“For the last six, seven years I’ve had to fight and complain constantly with the council.

“It’s left me feeling sad, depressed, and isolated. I nearly had a breakdown and reached a breaking point in 2020 when we weren’t receiving any support from them.

“The relationship between me and my son has completely broken down because of this failure.”

“It’s just me and Marley, we don’t have any other family who can support us.

“When Marley was diagnosed, we were given a leaflet and it said Bradford Council could help us and we haven’t seen that.

“I’m in pain myself, I’ve got health issues.

“It’s like the council has brushed me under the carpet and I’ve been neglecting myself because of it.

“Social care and occupational therapy have really let us down.”

The toll of fighting for Marley’s health has caused Malika further difficulties- she suffers from Osteoporosis and back problems and taking her son up and down the stairs has impacted her health.

The council is making changes to the driveway and adding an outdoor play area to assist Malika and Marley, however, the downstairs bathroom is the main priority for the family with Marley’s condition becoming worse.

Malika appealed to the Ombudsmen regarding the bathroom situation but it ruled in favour of the council.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Our housing team is dealing with a Disabled Facilities Grant application at the property and we’re awaiting further information and guidance from the occupational therapy team in order to progress the case. This information has recently been provided.

“Our Children’s Services department is also working with the family to resolve the issues.”

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