A mum fears she may have to give up her son as their flat cannot meet his needs, despite being at the "top" of the council's housing waiting list for over two years.

Liz Simper and her wife Abi live in a two-bedroom flat in Mansbridge, Southampton, with their three daughters and 15-year-old son, George.

George has numerous medical conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy and polymicrogyria.

He is wheelchair bound and requires constant care, including being lifted into and out of his bed, which is in the lounge.

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The three daughters, aged 16, 11 and 8, share a room.

George needs specialist equipment, including a hoist which does not fit in the lounge and a number of housing adaptations.

His parents, Liz, 36, who works as a full-time carer, and Abi is a special needs teaching assistant, say they have been at the "top" of Southampton City Council's Adapted Property Direct Let waiting list since November 2022, but are yet to be rehoused.

Liz said: "We love him (George) to bits, but physically, he is difficult to care for. He is like a newborn baby in a 15-year-old's body.

"I have to lift him myself into his chair and into bed, and I have to stop myself from crying because it's so physically hard.

"We don't want to (give him into care). It would probably kill me, but physically, I don't know how long I can safely care for him. It is heartbreaking, it makes me hate the council.

"We are unable to get a house without their help. George needs adaptations that you can't just buy.

"It is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, and there is no way out.

"It is sad for George because he should have a better life than he does. He should have the equipment to give him the life that we can't fit in our flat."

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A Southampton City Council spokesperson said: "Mrs Simper and her family are on the Adapted Property Direct Let waiting list for a larger family home.

"Unfortunately, they have not yet been rehoused due to a shortage of available social homes that can meet their complex needs.

"We understand how challenging and distressing this situation is for the family.

"The council continues to do everything possible to find them a suitable home and will look at all available options.

"We will maintain contact with the family and inform them when a property becomes available."