A single parent wrongfully charged a huge sum of rent says he has been waiting months for a refund.

Ash Youseff, 34, overpaid �1,400 in housing benefit to Genesis Housing Association after a miscalculation when he was studying and looking after his seven-year-old daughter, Jasmine.

The error occurred between 2007 and 2012 when he lived on the Highbury Quadrant Estate and the Gridlestone Estate in Archway.

Mr Youseff moved to the council-owned Milner Square in February and has been asking for his money back since then. He said: “I am a single parent and things can be difficult financially. This money would help a great deal.”

A Genesis spokesman said: “Genesis has been in contact with Mr Youssef up to three times a week regarding his account. Once housing benefit confirmed there was a credit we carried out the correct procedure, which is requested by law, to process his refund.

‘‘The time it takes to process the refund is standard and it is not true that we have delayed payment. We have explained this frequently to Mr Youssef.”