Upset as New Forest District Council orders dead dad to pay rent

Les Chalk died on March 8 following a long battle with rare blood cancer and lung cancer.

But his grieving family were left distraught after New Forest District Council demanded £85 a week in rent payments from his estate for his one-bed council flat in Lexby Road, Totton, as his daughter couldn't provide a death certificate.

The council quickly stopped the housing benefit that covered the 70-year-old's rent five days after his death - but the authority refused to terminate his tenancy without a death certificate. This meant his estate was being charged £85 a week.

READ MORE: Dog-lover calls for licences for large breeds to stop irresponsible owners

His daughter Zoe Sullivan said the council's actions were "just unfair, it's been very stressful".

The authority has now wiped the debt after Zoe turned to the Echo for help.

She said: "This is good news, but I think it's only happened because [The Echo] intervened. 

"I'd say 'thank you very much' but I want to know why this has happened. 

"The point still stands that they were trying to charge rent to a relative that has passed away. 

"They should not have done this in the first place."

Les Chalk with his daughter Zoe Sullivan. (Image: Zoe Sullivan)

She added: "I am waiting on a death certificate from the coroner but there's been a hold-up with his postmortem.

"They can stop his benefits without the death certificate but they won't end the tenancy.

"If he couldn't pay his rent when he was alive, how is he expected to pay his rent now he's dead?"

In a letter from the council seen by the Echo, an officer told Zoe: "I regret to say housing benefit entitlement terminated on the death of a tenant, so full rent became payable on the property from Monday 13 March 2023.

Les Chalk (Image: Zoe Sullivan)

"Any outstanding rent is due from Mr Leslie Chalk's estate."

READ MORE: Award-winning restaurant given clean bill of health with top hygiene rating

Dad-of-two Les had six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He moved into the Lexby Road flat with his childhood sweetheart Kathleen 'Kathy' Chalk and they were married for 34 years before she died from breast cancer aged 50.

Les and Kathy Chalk in their wedding day. (Image: Zoe Sullivan)

Les spent most of his time volunteering for Alcoholics Anonymous and at an addiction centre in Millbrook.

He dedicated his time to supporting people struggling with addiction issues in a bid to help them overcome their illnesses.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and battled cancer for seven years after his diagnosis.

Zoe, 50, gave up her job as a sandwich delivery driver three years ago to become a full-time carer for her dad.

Les had two dogs, Taz and Tilly, that have now been taken on by his two children.

Les Chalk with his two dogs Taz and Tilly. (Image: Zoe Sullivan)

His daughter described him as "an amazing man" who "touched the lives of many".

His funeral will be held on Thursday, April 6. He will be laid to rest at St Mary's Church in Eling next to his wife Kathy.