A COUPLE has been forced to live in a cold, dark tent after becoming homeless – yet they’re still spending £616 a month.
Steven Siddall and his partner’s tent is pitched up in a campsite in the Pennine Hills in northern England – with the huge monthly bill including rent and electricity.
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The pair learned they had been made homeless after returning from a holiday to the East Yorkshire coast.
Their new abode is a dingy canvas tent, with mattresses on the floor and a tiny makeshift kitchen.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Steven is seen crawling around the pitch-black tent, pointing out the barely visible laundry area, power-charging station and “bedroom”.
He also demonstrates the gas cannister the couple relies on to cook their food.
And, as winter approaches, the pair will be forced to confront the cold temperatures in the Pennines, which often sink to below freezing at night.
In the video, Steven described the impact that homelessness had had on his and his partner’s mental health.
He said: “Everyone experiences their problems, and currently we are currently experiencing ours, although it has been a pretty profound experience for me and my beautiful partner.
“It’s probably hurt her the most because she is used to her home comforts and having a stable roof over her head but it is what it is.
“My missus is experiencing bouts of anxiety and depression, which can be understood.”
The bush craft expert explained that while he and his partner are on the register for social housing, their chances of being rehoused quickly are slim – amid 8000 applications for their area.
He added: “We have to be realistic that we could be here for a long time so we have to dig our heels in and make ourselves as comfortable as possible.
“This is all very very embarrassing explaining to you, but I like to be real.
“It’s not just me going through this, it’s thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands, in today’s climate.”
On a more positive note, Steven said: “It’s a beautiful place to be fair. Honestly I’m built for this.
“It’s quiet and we’ve got our own freedom back.”
At the end of the video, Steven’s partner is heard talking through the pair’s grocery haul, which includes tinned beef, onions, vegetables, bread and snacks.
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