Health worker forced to live in Vauxhall Zafira

‘I’m fed up with it, all I do is work and sleep, whilst struggling to eat,’ says Gareth Ward

Gareth Ward has had to stop paying rent on his council flat because he can’t afford it (Gareth Ward / SWNS)

A health worker has said he will soon be forced to live in his car despite having a council flat because he cannot afford to stay there.

Mental health worker Gareth Ward, who earns £1,000 a month, said he can longer afford to rent his one-bedroom flat due to the cost of living crisis.

He said that the £700 rent, along with £120 monthly council tax, and the increase in gas prices and general living costs leaves him in arrears each month.

This is before he even tries to buy food. He has now stopped paying his rent and is awaiting eviction.

Mr Ward, 48, claims he has taken to the decision to move into his 15-year-old Vauxhall Zafira when he is finally evicted from his flat, which could be later this year.

He is among a growing number of people who are moving into vehicles to avoid spiralling rent, bills and living costs sending many into debt and poverty.

Mr Ward, from Norwich, Norfolk, said: “It’s a scary move, a huge life change.

“But I’ve got no ties, my bosses know what I’m doing and at this point, the pros outweigh the cons.

“I can be free from the burden of debt and bills and make my life as comfortable as I can in what would otherwise be a potentially dangerous situation.”

His 2007 Vauxhall Zafira is slowly being transformed into his new home, thanks to the growing catalogue of online support and DIY videos from those who have done it before.

He has installed smash-proof glass to deter break-ins, blacked out the windows, bought a camping gas cooker and added a kettle and boot storage to the car.

He plans to buy an “Arctic level” sleeping bag to protect him from the cold this winter and is taking out a PureGym membership for access to showers and gym facilities.

Mr Ward said: “I’ve struggled with paying rent for a tiny one-bed flat for three years, and on top of paying for a car it’s become impossible.

“I’m fed up with it, all I do is work and sleep, whilst struggling to eat.

“I suffer from anxiety but with this plan, I can take to the open road. I won’t be struggling anymore and I’ll be able to afford a warm meal.”

He hopes to save more than £700 a month by moving into his Vauxhall, be able to visit new places and improve his mental health in the process.

Mr Ward, however, was not aware of the change in law this June which criminalised trespass on private land with “intent to reside on land with a vehicle”.

He said: “I’ve got it all figured out. I had been thinking about it for years and then I stumbled upon this Youtuber, Will’s Whereabouts, who camps in a car and goes across Britain to find the best places to stay.

“There’s an app called park4night that shows you places across the world you can park for free. There are six or seven in Norwich alone.”

Mr Ward works full-time as a mental health supporter for a national care provider.

For now, it is a waiting game until he is evicted from his current flat as part of the Norwich City Council private sector housing scheme.

A spokesperson for Norwich City Council said: “Our Let NCC scheme is designed to help address the shortage of social and affordable housing.

“We work with property owners so that we can provide homes below current market rent levels. We would urge anyone using the scheme to contact us if they are having difficulties meeting their rent payments.

“We can signpost to any support they may be entitled to, as well as provide free housing advice.”

SWNS