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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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to be very happy with my new COUNCIL FLAT?

140 replies

OMFFG · 17/03/2012 14:28

I actually am and I can't quite believe it! It is a pita to bring shopping up the 2 flights of stairs but that is something we will get used to. I keep forgetting when I nip to the supermarket with toddler DC4, to only pick up a few things and end up with 5 bags of stuff and then I remember I have to get up the stairs with him and them!!

Apart from that, the flat is easy to keep clean (all on one level), we have 2 brand new balconies big enough to sit out on and grow some stuff on. The whole block's exterior has also been painted. We have a shared garden which the other 2 flats don't use so they have said they are fine with our trampoline being put up. The neighbours seem quiet, only hear them close their doors really. There are always spaces right outside the entrance door for our 2 cars and it is bloody cheap - £378 per month! We have not seem the benefit of that this month as we had to buy quite a bit of stuff - new cooker, curtains and rugs which came to over £600 but from next month we should be much better off. The area is actually a more 'sought after' part of town so we have been told and is much greener and there is a park/cycle track right next door, much better than the area we were living in and paying £900 for a mouldy house in.

I have also discovered that we are walking distance from the train station (about 15 mins) so I can return to work in London when I find a job and childcare and feeling positive about that) without having to pay out extra for petrol to station and car park fees which are extortionate here.

Oh we were also given a free paint pack from the council, could choose our colour scheme and it included enough for the whole place (3 beds) even down to gloss for skirting boards, masking tape and dust sheet. Over £200 pounds worth. There was laminate down already throughout the whole flat so the only flooring we had to put down was in the loo and bathroom.

I cannot believe that I feel rather happy and secure here. DCs are fine with it and it's closer to their schools. Total transformation in my way of thinking because I was terrified before we actually moved in. It actually sort of feels like we are in a holiday apartment. AIBU to extremely grateful to my local council who I had thought were fucking bastards!?

OP posts:
OriginalJamie · 17/03/2012 17:19

I think mentioning the precise value of the stuff you were given is weird.

OriginalJamie · 17/03/2012 17:20

Brian - you are right. Sorry

SparkyMcSparrow · 17/03/2012 17:20

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ramblinrose · 17/03/2012 17:32

I'm really glad that you got the trampoline problem sorted out OP.
It was worrying me a bit.

TheSinglePringle · 17/03/2012 17:38

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5inthebed · 17/03/2012 17:41

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quirrelquarrel · 17/03/2012 17:52

If you have a council flat, how can you pop to the shops meaning to get a couple of things but be able to bring back five bags of stuff? Just wondering. Doesn't really smack of frugality.

Hopandaskip · 17/03/2012 18:02

My god people, think of the TRAMPOLINE. It has to SHARE a garden. Oh the injustice.

We should have a fundraiser.

garlicbutter · 17/03/2012 19:27

qq, I didn't realise people in council flats were under shopping restrictions Hmm

WibblyBibble · 17/03/2012 19:53

When I got my council house*, I didn't get any fucking masking tape and there were no carpets except in one room where they were saturated with cat wee (presumably the reason they hadn't bothered to rip them out like the rest). FFS. All I am asking for is justice and the goat that is mine by rights.

*Actually housing association, maybe that explains it.

Groovee · 17/03/2012 20:04

You've been short changed. My friend's just been given a 3 bed council house for £102 a fortnight. She's got a new kitchen and bathroom

NowThenWreck · 17/03/2012 20:39

Well I live in a 14 bedroom council castle. Its a stones throw from Buck palace, and has all mod cons, for only £11.78 a week! That leaves me and my 7 children a whopping £1345 a week to buy trampolines and trampoline accessories.
AND its remarkably easy to clean. THANKS Freedonia Borough Council.

Onadietcolabreak · 17/03/2012 21:05

Not sure why everyone is saying its a wind up Confused but op, considering you had an awful time losing your house, I wish you al, the happiness in your new home, I know a flat seems awful at first after having your own home, but my 1st flat was so big and airy, I kinda miss it. Enjoy making your flat your home :)

quirrelquarrel · 17/03/2012 22:01

When you pop out to spend £1 and you end up spending £50 you're hardy living on a tight budget. If you're not a tight budget, why are you getting an easy ride of it? Is my terribly naive reasoning...

AbbyAbsinthe · 17/03/2012 22:12

This thread is funny as fuck Grin

usualsuspect · 17/03/2012 22:14

Are council house tenants not allowed to spend £50 then?

Starwisher · 17/03/2012 22:16

Lol @ hop andaskip!

quirrelquarrel · 17/03/2012 22:34

Hmm no Hmm
I meant if your budget is so big that you don't have to plan where every pound goes, you're a lot better off than lots of people who don't get help, if that makes it clear. If you went out for a book and bought a car instead, on a whim, no one would give you a loan if you pleaded hardship.

I'm not putting people who live in council houses down, so don't imply that I am :)

Sarcalogos · 17/03/2012 23:32

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Itsnoteasybeing2 · 17/03/2012 23:51

Hopandskip you made me laugh out loud! Brilliant! :0

5inthebed · 18/03/2012 20:04

26 messages deleted from this thread, including mine which I've no idea as to why it was, wasn't a personal attack.

Wonder why, did Op request them?

hobnobsaremyfavourite · 18/03/2012 20:07

Wasn't there another thread like this recently? I'm Confused

SparkyMcSparrow · 18/03/2012 20:08

Ooo mine too.
I didn't even say anything bad Confused

So over the weekend , I have been called a twat and a cunt and had a message deleted, all because I ventured to AIBU. Grin

5inthebed · 18/03/2012 20:09

Yes there was, Op back for another brag talk about how fab it has been.

Note to Op, perhaps next time you want to talk about how great it is, try posting in chat where you might get a better reception.

SparkyMcSparrow · 18/03/2012 20:10

...or just not post