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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Council housing

49 replies

Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 13:54

At 36 weeks pregnant I found myself homeless and unable to afford a deposit for a new private rented property. I had also just left for maternity leave so was expecting a massive pay loss. I had recently gone from working full time as maternity cover for another colleague to part time when she returned (which was ideal for me at the time due to a difficult pregnancy). When I return to work my employer has agreed that it will be full time as they are expanding the business. I was put in temporary accommodation but the council have decided that with universal credit I will be able to realistically afford a 2 bedroom private rented property and will not provide me with a bidding number. I am now looking for a landlord that will accept dss short term but am running out of places to look and am being turned down constantly as no one will take it (which I fully understand and probably wouldn't either in their circumstances). I have done a few calculations and although on maternity pay I would be fine with private renting, once I return to work full time I will be left with almost nothing after paying the full rent! I don't feel this is fair when others who don't work at all are entitled to an affordable rent when I'm really trying to support myself and would rather not rely on UC to pay the rent. Would it be unreasonable to appeal and expect them to change their mind?

OP posts:
dontalltalkatonce · 02/11/2019 14:01

I don't feel this is fair when others who don't work at all are entitled to an affordable rent when I'm really trying to support myself and would rather not rely on UC to pay the rent. Would it be unreasonable to appeal and expect them to change their mind?

What? Others who don't work are not any more entitled to 'affordable rent' and socialised housing than you are, they also have to use UC to pay the rent. If there is no council housing stock to suit their needs, they, too, have to privately rent and use UC. You cannot force them to give you a council house so what you appealing? They don't have to give you a 2-bed anyhow. You can share a room with your child.

Why isn't the man you chose to have a child with paying to house his child so you can afford a 2-bed?

MrsMaiselsMuff · 02/11/2019 14:10

It's not unreasonable to be frustrated at the lack of social housing. We need a government that will prioritise building more and pause the right to buy scheme to stop more being sold are.

You are unreasonable to appeal unless you believe they have not followed their policy correctly.

MrsMaiselsMuff · 02/11/2019 14:10
  • sold off, not sold are.
dontalltalkatonce · 02/11/2019 14:13

They have prioritised you correctly, you just don't want to use UC. Well, them's the breaks.

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 14:18

@dontalltalkatonce the man I chose to have a child with died 4 months into my pregnancy.. Didn't feel it had any relevance but thanks for your judgement.

OP posts:
MrsMaiselsMuff · 02/11/2019 14:19

They have prioritised you correctly, you just don't want to use UC. Well, them's the breaks.

We don't know that as we don't know where the OP is. In my area she would still be allocated a bidding number, but would not be a priority.

Your comment on UC makes no sense. She won't receive anything for the housing element if she's not liable for rent, it's not a choice of using it or not.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 02/11/2019 14:21

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 14:22

@MrsMaiselsMuff thanks for your response. I am not sure exactly of their policy but my mum's friends daughter was in a similar situation and working and she was given the choice to go on a very long waiting list or go private. She did not intend to work so it was a good solution for her but I would honestly rather wait three years just to have a secure home for a few years whilst I get myself and my finances together

OP posts:
dontalltalkatonce · 02/11/2019 14:23

The OP said she doesn't want to rely on UC to pay the rent, Mrs. She doesn't want to use UC so therefore thinks she should be given a council place. That's sadly not how it works in many areas that have low stock.

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 14:24

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat why do I need to include my life story to ask a question about housing. I'm not looking for sympathy or judgement just advice.

OP posts:
user1471449295 · 02/11/2019 14:27

Basically, if you can afford to rent privately, you rent privately. As it should be

rainingallday · 02/11/2019 14:29

@Whatamidoing157

I'm not sure what you want people to say.

What is your AIBU?

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 14:31

@rainingallday basically I want to know if I would be reasonable to make an appeal to the council

OP posts:
TheQueef · 02/11/2019 14:33

What?
They refused to accept you on the waiting list?
Or refused to give you priority/ higher banding?

LoveNote · 02/11/2019 14:33

Why are you homeless op?

PumpkinP · 02/11/2019 14:35

Some councils don’t allow you to join the list anymore. Depends where you live

Soontobe60 · 02/11/2019 14:36

The council will, quite rightly, only assess you on your current circumstances. You need to look for a 1 bed flat privately and apply for UC if needed. That's what it's for.

stucknoue · 02/11/2019 14:39

It depends on many factors but until your baby is 1 you are expected to share so will only get 1 bed allowance. You can bid for council but you will not be considered high need because private rentals can meet your needs

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 14:57

@TheQueef I don't believe they actually said I would be allowed to join the register but they were pushing for me to rent privately as though there was no other alternative. He was very dismissive when I asked to join the register but didn't specifically say I couldn't. I wasn't aware how difficult it would be to find a landlord that would accept dss otherwise I wouldn't be so opposed to it.

OP posts:
SonjaMorgan · 02/11/2019 14:57

I understand your frustration, I won't get into how I feel about the gov and construction sector.

Whereabouts are you in the country? Is there any chance you can relocate to a commutable area from your work? Is the job worth the higher rent costs?

I think appealing to the council would be worth a shot but really you should be considering all other options.

Without a deposit you will struggle to find anything to rent, do the council offer help with getting that money together?

rainingallday · 02/11/2019 14:58

Appeal by all means @Whatamidoing157 but they can't give you what they don't have. especially if people are higher priority than you.

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 14:59

@stucknoue @Soontobe60 the council assessed me as a priority due to baby and mental health and have stayed that I would be entitled to a 2 bed and that most landlords would not allow to to rent a 2 bed with a child. My baby will be staying in the same room regardless so it is not just a case of me demanding a 2 bed.

OP posts:
applesandacorns · 02/11/2019 15:01

Sorry to hear about your partner, OP. Flowers

Where do you live in the county? Could any family house you temporarily or help you with a deposit - maybe a one-bed would be more affordable for the moment?

TheQueef · 02/11/2019 15:03

Ah I see.
Well put your name on the register anyway.
Then check the letting policy so you know what you can bid for, keep an eye out for any key worker areas you may be eligible for.
Depending on the LA and stock situation you can get an idea of wait times.

Original poster
Whatamidoing157 · 02/11/2019 15:06

I think I may have worded this all wrong. I have never previously been in any kind of situation like this and did not anticipate needing help from the council or to be in need of benefits. I don't have a problem with this as I feel everyone should entitled to a bit of support when needed. My main frustration is that if I privately rent I will never be able to afford to go back to work full time and will most likely be on UC for the foreseeable future. I think it would be in the councils and my own best interest for me to have a 6 year council tenancy which I will be able to fully fund myself then will be completely self sufficient

OP posts:
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