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AIBU?

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Original poster

Council house waiting times

81 replies

munchsmum2017 · 21/05/2019 19:19

I am currently on Band A for Leeds homes and Yorkshire housing. I have been on Band A for 3 months now and my position is still fairly high ie (50s-100s). The reason I need to move is extremely urgent and personal , I understand that there is a lot of people on the housing register and I am happy and grateful to even be on there , I can understand it can take a while.

What I’m posting for is to find out any stories regarding waiting times and what priority you may of been on or are on?

Just out of interest and curiosity but also to see how long it can roughly be until I’m offered somewhere ?

Thank you Smile

OP posts:
bananaontoast1 · 22/05/2019 14:17

I haven't read the full thread and don't know if your circumstances would allow, but Yorkshire Housing have properties literally all over Yorkshire (including fairly rural areas) so if that's an option you may be able to shorten your wait by moving further afield?

MyDcAreMarvel · 22/05/2019 14:19

I am bidding on houses / maisonettes / flats WITH AND WITHOUT GARDENS. I would prefer a garden , but I will accept anything I am offered . Hopefully that sinks in this time ?

Op that’s great that at some point today between 11.22 and 13.38 you made the decision to bid on properties without gardens.

Original poster
munchsmum2017 · 22/05/2019 14:20

@bananaontoast1 - thank you, on the properties available it usually says something along the lines of “you’re not eligible for this property but you may still place a bid” . I have been able to bid on properties in Barnsley I haven’t seen any available in other areas that I am eligible for .

Thank you though Grin much appreciated

OP posts:
bananaontoast1 · 22/05/2019 14:23

When you applied did you specify areas? If so try calling them up and seeing if you could change the areas to include more - I used to work for Yorkshire Housing a while ago (not directly, they were a client) and back then they had a lot of properties coming up in North Yorkshire every week x

Original poster
munchsmum2017 · 22/05/2019 14:23

@MyDcAreMarvel

I never once said I’ve only been bidding on properties with gardens I said I’ve only been bidding on flats with gardens

“I’m bidding on two bed houses and flats in all areas apart from the one I live in at the moment (as it isn’t safe for me). I have been sort of restricting my self to flats with gardens as that’s what I’d like for my lo”

I bid on houses / masionettes without gardens but I don’t have to prove anything to you.

OP posts:
Original poster
munchsmum2017 · 22/05/2019 14:25

@bananaontoast1 no I never specified certain areas on the search it lets me search in all areas they just don’t have much at the moment . On it it says “bidding for band 1” etc so if I was to bid on something specifically for band 3 applicants it’d say that I’m not eligible but I can still place a bid . If that makes sense ?

OP posts:
bananaontoast1 · 22/05/2019 14:28

I think they must have changed the system since I was working :(

If you make contact with a dv support charity they will often be able to support your application also.

If you're willing to move areas I could also suggest a dv organisation that has their own properties? X

Original poster
munchsmum2017 · 22/05/2019 14:38

@bananaontoast1 I definitely will have a look at dv organisations and see what support and housing options they can offer 😊
Thank you

OP posts:
PinkTomatoes · 22/05/2019 14:40

Are you able to relocate entirely?

I relocated to the NorthEast after leaving an abusive marriage. Initially I stayed with extended family, so I think I was priority band B. I got a house the same week I was put on the register, first house I bid on. There is a fair amount of empty housing stock around here.

I absolutely love living in the North East, it's a great place. Only downside is it can be difficult to find work.

CrazyCatNerd · 22/05/2019 14:48

All two bed semis, same area 🙄

DuckWillow · 22/05/2019 15:03

I was Band B (it was a while ago now so stuff has changed) Band A was Homeless applicants and Band B was everyone in invent need and then C, D etc.

I was offered a two bed house by a housing association which had a garden. My son is autistic so at the time it was amazing to have an enclosed garden for him . It also meant I cajole install a trampoline...best £100 I ever spent as he loved it.

We waited two months once the banding had been agreed but I suspect that’s because the housing association had a vacant property at that point. I was lucky.

If you have Housing Associations around make sure that your council are sharing your details with them too as they sometimes get properties far quicker.

Original poster
munchsmum2017 · 22/05/2019 15:06

@pinktomatoes realistically I would be able to relocate entirely but I still have family in Leeds and would like to stay close . How far is north east Hmm ?

@DuckWillow that’s great lucky you ! That was definitely fast I will contact them and see if they are sharing details ! Thank you for the advice means a lot

OP posts:
PinkTomatoes · 22/05/2019 15:11

From where I am (near Durham) Leeds is just under 2 hours. I regularly visit family in Bradford area.

stucknoue · 22/05/2019 15:33

It varies so much but here it seems to be about a year if you have an identified need but aren't in danger or homeless. If your caseworker could emphasise to the council the need for you to move it could help, or if you specify that you need to move city for safety and mental health it could push you up

Loopy3585 · 22/05/2019 15:53

Just to give you another perspective I was classed as a band D in our area as shared accommodation with family so felt I had very little hope of getting somewhere via council but within 6 months i’d been offered a property (new build 2 bed flat with communal garden) as I was the only one that week that bid on it (I’m not sure if your bidding shows how many are bidding but I watched this weekly to see what everyone else was bidding on). So even further down the bidding list you can get housed

Original poster
munchsmum2017 · 22/05/2019 16:46

@PinkTomatoes that isn’t too bad , is that my train / driving ?
@stucknoue I’ve asked him to do this but he’s a bit pointless and doesn’t actually do anything for me really Hmm I can ask my social workers possibly ?

@loopy3583 that’s actually amazing ! Congrats ! My sister was band D and got a maisonette with garden in a year , it does show your position I think it’s live & I’ve bidded today and I’m positions 30-100 ! Fingers crossed

OP posts:
kaaaaa · 12/08/2021 13:52

No they are not helping.
I have support worker from The Bridges and she promised me so much nothing happand.All false promises.They work alongside council and have no power to do anything like that.

kaaaaa · 12/08/2021 13:54

Anyone in tameside waiting for council house? How long did you had to wait? I m in band a and get extra points for community contributions and fleeing domestic abuse.i m in temporary accommodation how long do you think I might have to wait?

Whatflavourjellybabyisnice · 12/08/2021 14:03

Just to say that situation sounds really hard for you, OP.
I'm waiting for social housing myself

SpnBaby1967 · 12/08/2021 14:18

I also work in social housing & we try to move dv victims within 3 months, but have had people have to wait for over 2 years which is frustrating.

dworky · 12/08/2021 14:48

In the case of fleeing DV, you could be entitled to priority housing. Check with your local council.

Viviennemary · 12/08/2021 14:54

Most people hardly even bother applying. So it's only urgent very very special cases on the waiting lists I would imagine. I don't think anyone can answer how long. . Not even your own LA. Im not sympathetic to wanting a garden either.

Still1nLove · 12/08/2021 14:57

ZOMBIE 🧟‍♀️

kaaaaa · 12/08/2021 14:57

Yes in theory.anyone fleeing dv is I m the band a and I work as well but as I found out there's band a +.I think it all varies from council to council.i know someone in Cheshire she got new build after 4 months...it's a luck as well..

emilybemilyboo · 21/08/2021 18:58

I work with The Bridges as in I fleeing dv and they say a lot but at the end of the day all they said it's wait for council property.They ve put me in awful places and I have to wait another 10 months and to be honest I don't har a jy confidence that I will get something decent..it's a joke all of it unless I'm really unlucky good luck to you