A former soldier struggling to make ends meet has attacked a council decision to deny him the chance to live in social housing.

Trowbridge grandfather Earle Marcinkiewicz was shocked to get a letter from Wiltshire Council telling him he will no longer be able to bid for affordable housing because he already has a roof over his head.

Mr Marcinkiewicz, who rents a flat in Frome Road, Trowbridge, from a private landlord, had registered with Homes 4 Wiltshire and been placed on the Bronze band, because he had ‘no assessed housing need’.

The 62-year-old applied for the scheme hopeful of getting an affordable home to help him earn enough to live on, as his current rent of £500 a month is more than half his monthly wage.

However, under the council’s new Homes 4 Wiltshire allocations policy, coming into effect on December 9, Mr Marcinkiewicz’s housing application will be cancelled and he will no longer be able to bid for properties.

Mr Marcinkiewicz, who served in the Royal Corps of Transport for 13 years, said: “They have taken away my right to any social housing because they basically see me as not worthy.

“This letter came as a complete surprise. It was a kick in the teeth. Half my wage goes on rent and it leaves me a very small amount to live on. If I could get social housing it would ease the stress.

“It would make a big difference to me and when the letter came it was a big shock. The council’s slogan says ‘Where Everybody Matters’ but it is just not true and I’m really angry.”

The council has sent the same letter to 10,000 people who are also in the Bronze band, saying the new policy is intended to focus on those in most need of help with their housing. Mr Marcinkiewicz believes the system is wrong and said he would be better off if he was not working and claiming benefits.

He added: “I was shown a property under the scheme in Westbury a few months ago, but when I asked about the first payment I was told I would need to pay it straightaway, even though I couldn’t afford to until I was paid.

“I was then told that if I was on benefits it would be different and they would have paid the first month’s rent for me, so I would be better off on benefits. It seems upside down and illogical.”

The Homes 4 Wiltshire lettings system is a partnership between the council and social housing landlords.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “Our new policy aims to manage client expectations better by not registering those who are unlikely to be re-housed through Homes 4 Wiltshire, and to encourage clients currently in Bronze band to look at alternative options.”