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Original poster

Council houses owning brand new cars?

736 replies

TheCluelessMum · 06/05/2025 20:52

I’m writing this post with the hopes of being educated, not slandered

however I completely appreciate I may be just completely shot down for asking this.

i live on a new build estate, 12 houses at the start of the estate are council houses. I don’t know this because I’m a snob, I know this because it’s clearly marked on plans when you buy those houses.

i see so much stuff online about how the UK benefits system is failing people, the higher rise of food banks. It’s absolutely abhorrent people are in this situation.

however, when entering my estate today I noticed that each and every single council house had a car newer that a 20 plate. Mercedes, Audi’s, BMW’s even range rovers.. there was not a single house out of the 12 which had an older than 20 plate car.

I am now confused as to why this is the case? Everyone I know (including those receiving benefits) continually speaks about how hard the cost of living is.

so could someone please answer how/why those in what we would presume lower income families, are able to afford such lavish cars.

OP posts:
dollyblue01 · 06/05/2025 21:08

Because people who rent from the council or HA work as well surprisingly enough and as the rents are low, can probably afford a nicer car, don’t know if there’s a cut off for people’s income who apply to rent from them or anyone can ? Or they may have mobility , but can’t be the case for all of them surely ?

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 06/05/2025 21:08

Potsofpetals · 06/05/2025 21:05

Which is all kinds of wrong when there are so many homeless people in this country.

Show quote history

You know there are some MPs who live in social houses.

Original poster
TheCluelessMum · 06/05/2025 21:07

mumofoneAlonebutokay · 06/05/2025 21:04

You are a snob. Yabvu.

Why am I a snob for asking to be educated on something I’m not sure on?

don’t shame people for wanting to learn about things they don’t understand

OP posts:
Ph3 · 06/05/2025 21:06

@TheCluelessMum Also OP people get their cars on finance and pcps and leases so I don’t think it’s a measure of people’s income nowadays.

User79853257976 · 06/05/2025 21:06

Can’t the ‘affordable’ homes on the plans be shared ownership?

XenoBitch · 06/05/2025 21:06

Portakalkedi · 06/05/2025 21:04

Surely the point of council houses should be that they're for people who NEED subsidised housing, and when their circumstances improve they should have to go and pay market rent or get a mortgage. I have never understood how people get longterm tenancies without the situation being reviewed at intervals.

Council housing is not subsidised.

If a family is at risk of losing their home if they get a better job, then there is no incentive to do better.
People do better in life generally when they have a secure home.

We need more social housing.

Potsofpetals · 06/05/2025 21:05

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 06/05/2025 21:02

My partner and I live in a council house. It's £550 a month and we both work full time and pay tax.

Council houses are much cheaper than private rents so people can save for new cars etc.

Which is all kinds of wrong when there are so many homeless people in this country.

Cosycover · 06/05/2025 21:05

😴😴😴😴😴😴😴

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 06/05/2025 21:05

Portakalkedi · 06/05/2025 21:04

Surely the point of council houses should be that they're for people who NEED subsidised housing, and when their circumstances improve they should have to go and pay market rent or get a mortgage. I have never understood how people get longterm tenancies without the situation being reviewed at intervals.

Because they're lifetime tenancies.

Keirawr · 06/05/2025 21:04

Potsofpetals · 06/05/2025 21:04

I promise they’re all on the never ever. To be fair though, if they are range rovers etc, they most certainly aren’t Motability as they aren’t on the scheme.

No doubt they soon will be.

mumofoneAlonebutokay · 06/05/2025 21:04

You are a snob. Yabvu.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/05/2025 21:04

PluckyCheeks · 06/05/2025 21:02

Story of my life. We are surrounded by people with 24 plates yet we are the only homeowners (ex LA) and are about to buy a 10 yr old car as that’s all we can just about afford.

People on benefits seem to not be able to plan for the future and cannot delay gratification, hence they use their spare case to lease a flashy car. There’s also a cultural element, where we live, at least.

Edited

What ‘culture’ exactly?

Portakalkedi · 06/05/2025 21:04

Surely the point of council houses should be that they're for people who NEED subsidised housing, and when their circumstances improve they should have to go and pay market rent or get a mortgage. I have never understood how people get longterm tenancies without the situation being reviewed at intervals.

Potsofpetals · 06/05/2025 21:04

I promise they’re all on the never ever. To be fair though, if they are range rovers etc, they most certainly aren’t Motability as they aren’t on the scheme.

XenoBitch · 06/05/2025 21:03

PluckyCheeks · 06/05/2025 21:02

Story of my life. We are surrounded by people with 24 plates yet we are the only homeowners (ex LA) and are about to buy a 10 yr old car as that’s all we can just about afford.

People on benefits seem to not be able to plan for the future and cannot delay gratification, hence they use their spare case to lease a flashy car. There’s also a cultural element, where we live, at least.

Edited

A few comments on here have said they live in, or know someone who lives in council housing and is not on benefits.

PluckyCheeks · 06/05/2025 21:02

Story of my life. We are surrounded by people with 24 plates yet we are the only homeowners (ex LA) and are about to buy a 10 yr old car as that’s all we can just about afford.

People on benefits seem to not be able to plan for the future and cannot delay gratification, hence they use their spare case to lease a flashy car. There’s also a cultural element, where we live, at least.

anon9776 · 06/05/2025 21:02

We live in a 2 bed new build housing association house and we don’t claim benefits. We pay £1000 a month rent, £200 council tax. We run our own business and I’m a stay at home Mum and pregnant with our second. We own our 24 plate family car outright.

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 06/05/2025 21:02

My partner and I live in a council house. It's £550 a month and we both work full time and pay tax.

Council houses are much cheaper than private rents so people can save for new cars etc.

Redpeach · 06/05/2025 21:02

There are long waiting lists for council housing, there's not enough for the people who really need them

Original poster
TheCluelessMum · 06/05/2025 21:00

Thanks for those responding. I meant no offence, but I’m glad I asked because now I know.

OP posts:
Keirawr · 06/05/2025 20:59

More than half new leased cars are on notability scheme. For people claiming disability benefits. Paid for by other people.

10 million people of working age are not working or not working enough and claiming benefits.

Who said claiming benefits is hard. Literally millions are doing and new cars are being handed out on benefits, the likes of which people in work could bill afford.

That’s why the systems is broken and losing so much support.

Profhilodisaster · 06/05/2025 20:59

Here we go again.

vodkaredbullgirl · 06/05/2025 20:59

🙄here we go again

NoThankYouSis · 06/05/2025 20:59

They’re probably Motability scheme cars. My father in law always has a new car via this.

ScaryM0nster · 06/05/2025 20:59

TheCluelessMum · 06/05/2025 20:56

oh!!!!!! I didn’t know this, so just like renting except council is your landlord.

case closed!!!!!! Thanks for responding

Show quote history

Yes.

Generally you need to have some kind of ‘need’ to initially get into the council house system, but once you’re in it you can stay until
you choose to leave.

There’s also the odd bit with cars. You don’t need much, if any, up front funds to get a car on a credit arrangement. Whereas to buy a second hand one outright you do. So if you don’t have cash savings, new on a finance deal can be more accessible than second hand.

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