Council Housing

charlmorgan9 · 2021-06-22T12:02:12+00:00

Hi I was just looking for everyone’s experiences with council housing. I live in a town in South Wales (not a big town it’s more of a big village) and I’m 16 years old with an 8 month old daughter. We live in my mothers 3 bedroom house and share a bedroom, but it’s leaving my mother sharing a bedroom with her 2 other children. And then 2 other children in the 3rd bedroom. I was just wondering how long I’d likely be waiting for a house. Thanks in advance xx

OneRingToRuleThemAll · 22/06/2021 13:04

I don't know your housing situation but here there isn't overcrowding severe enough to warrant top band move unless you lack 3 bedrooms. It's a dire situation with no properties available.

Given your age is there the option of a mother and baby home? The can offer vital support to new young mum's.

Ouchiehelpneeded · 22/06/2021 13:05

It depends very much where you are. Some of South Wales isn't as bad as lots of the UK. Have you registered with the council?

TurtleBay28 · 22/06/2021 13:13

It depends where you are. You'll have to phone your local council and ask how long.

They will probably say it isn't overcrowded enough.

Original poster

charlmorgan9 · 22/06/2021 13:17

I’ve registered with the council and they’re going to activate my account within 3 days so I can start bidding. 🙂

OP posts:

cctvrec · 22/06/2021 13:47

Probably be quick but it really is area dependent. Our village has plenty of housing. In fact, in my block of 4 'flats", the one above next door has been empty since before we moved in over 5 years ago. Another neighbour wanted to move because she had small children in an upstairs and she got the flat below when it became vacant. The very house she had asked for.

motogogo · 22/06/2021 15:32

At your age they may have foster carers that would be more suitable. At 16 you are not old enough for contracts with utilities etc. Some areas have supported living. Your social worker can advise. At 16 you are still a child and eligible for support

MrsTerryPratchett · 22/06/2021 15:33

I'm trying to count. There's 7 people in a three-bed?

Orf1abc · 22/06/2021 15:36

At 16 you are not old enough for contracts with utilities etc.

It is possible to enter into contracts for essential services at 16.

It sounds like the OP has support, there's no suggestion her mother is abandoning her.

30scrisis · 22/06/2021 15:42

I work in housing in South Wales. Inbox if you'd like.

Original poster

charlmorgan9 · 22/06/2021 15:44

@motogogo I don’t have social services. I don’t need them. My mother is not abandoning me it is my choice to leave to give the family more space to live. Im very mature for my age and will be more than capable living on my own to raise my daughter with my family’s support.

OP posts:

SoloMotherofFour · 22/06/2021 15:55

I had a council flat at 16, just a 1 bed as no children, I believe it was about 6 months, was homeless so had some priority, however in a different area. It really is so dependent on area and what banding they give you. You'll quickly get an idea when you see what numbers you rank as when you bid and how quickly you move up.
Ignore above comment, of course you can have utilities in your name at 16! However, the council informed me, literally at the last minute/viewing, that I would need a parent/guardian to sign it too as under 18 but tenancy was solely in my name. So unless rules have changed your mother might need to sign too, I can't really remember what it was.
Good luck and hope you get somewhere soon. :)

Original poster

charlmorgan9 · 22/06/2021 16:01

@SoloMotherofFour thank you so much. I’ll have a look when I start bidding they should be accepting my application in the next 2-3 days. I know of a few people with children that have had a flat/house at 16 so I’m just hoping one comes up for me as my daughter will be one in November and needs more space for all of her stuff ideally in her own bedroom and my mother won’t be so overcrowded xx

OP posts:

LoopTheLoops · 22/06/2021 16:02

In my council that wouldn’t even be considered overcrowded as it’s 8 to a 3 bed to be considered overcrowded so it really depends where you live

30scrisis · 22/06/2021 16:46

I've replied to your message.

user1471538283 · 22/06/2021 16:52

I think you will get somewhere. It may not be what you want though. When I gave up my social housing years ago and despite it being lovely it took ages for someone to move in. But then shared gardens are not for everyone even though we loved it.

I hope you will be happy in your new home.

Toddlerteaplease · 22/06/2021 17:05

How will you pay the rent and bills?

scl27 · 03/10/2021 17:56

Sorry to add to this post Im unsure how to add a new thread...Hello ive found a mutual exchange and we have both signed the paper work and are due to move on Tuesday, I asked the housing officer if that means she can't go back on her word now we've signed the new paperworkd he said a quick no followed by but your tenancy doesn't transfer until the 11th October as that's a Monday (we are moving on the 5th) does that mean she could change her mind and take the house back if she got in and hated the one she's moving into? Or does it just mean it's because it's after a Monday they can't start my tenancy but it's still mine and there's no going back but she could stay in until the 11th and nobody could tell her to go until then ? Sorry about the long questions I'm just a very unlucky person most of the time😆

SleepingStandingUp · 03/10/2021 18:04

How old are the 4 other children? What sexes?

I'm theory you're only one bedroom short but overall with your Mom as well you're two short. Two would have put you top band with my HA but you being 16 would mean you'd have to accept some support NOT because of your parenting but because of being 16 with bills and housework and neighbours etx

TheDeadlyNightShade · 04/10/2021 02:23

@scl27

Sorry to add to this post Im unsure how to add a new thread...Hello ive found a mutual exchange and we have both signed the paper work and are due to move on Tuesday, I asked the housing officer if that means she can't go back on her word now we've signed the new paperworkd he said a quick no followed by but your tenancy doesn't transfer until the 11th October as that's a Monday (we are moving on the 5th) does that mean she could change her mind and take the house back if she got in and hated the one she's moving into? Or does it just mean it's because it's after a Monday they can't start my tenancy but it's still mine and there's no going back but she could stay in until the 11th and nobody could tell her to go until then ? Sorry about the long questions I'm just a very unlucky person most of the time😆

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Nat6999 · 04/10/2021 03:17

You don't qualify for housing benefit at 16 unless you are a care leaver, up to you being 35 you only qualify for a shared accommodation rate. I've been a Council tenant for 11 years, some councils are great, some not so good & will only do the bare minimum. At 16 you would have to agree to be under housing plus, which means you would be under the supervision of a housing officer. You may only be offered a place in a hostel or B & B, you would be very lucky to get a flat on your own, I only got my first council home because I had 26 years waiting time.

ButterflyAway · 04/10/2021 03:23

@Nat6999 that’s inaccurate. The OP has a baby, she qualifies for help with housing and benefits.

IndecentCakes · 04/10/2021 04:10

No advice, but I wish you the very best of luck with your future OP.

AlphabetAerobics · 04/10/2021 04:29

That’s a lot of false information Nat.

Council Housing

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