To turn down council property?

[Dipitlow]

I have been offered a council flat (recently split with partner) 2 children,
living with parents at the moment. If I decline what are my chances of being offered another one? I didn’t bid on it they have bidded for me? Do I just take it? Or should I private rent?

You're talking way too much sense Blubbyblub.

Thank you, I had a friend say the same recently as we live within walking distance of a very good high school!

To be fair the whole area is good, it’s just that most people seem to want to be swapping between houses, no one is looking for a flat :(

The problem with that is that even relatively high earners who are council tenants may still not earn enough to get a mortgage on a similar property (£350k+ for a bog standard 3 bed terrace in my area) and not have a £35k+ deposit, therefore they are shunted back into private renting at the mercy of unscrupulous landlords, insecure tenancy terms and paying 3-4 times more rent! That’s not fair either.

More social housing is the only answer as house prices are never going back to being relative to average salaries, so the rent and the millions spent in housing benefit top ups goes back to councils, not providing private landlords with free pension pots at the expense of families who have to live in terror of a Section 21 and shitty landlords not maintaining properties.

Keep going and treat it like a full
time mission. Good luck!

Getting taxis everywhere soon becomes unaffordable, how else is OP meant to manage working? if their parents are their only support bubble and neither of them drive? Teleport? Just not work? get another job...

plenty of people manage employment without having a car. even with children. There are buses etc.

This really depends on location. I know someone who got a house in an area where there’s a bus twice a day, she relied on her grandfather but it became impossible once he was too old to drive.

Unfortunately a lot factors into it, it’s difficult to have a simplistic view when it comes to housing.

no. Just if you get on your feet with this assistance then it’s time for you to move on to self reliance and let someone else who now needs the leg up to have the assistance
people who don’t qualify are managing. Isn’t this the goal? To self manage? To have help to get you up to the point that other people are on where they can manage themselves without support and then use the housing stock to help those who are now below the line of self managing

Why isn't being in a council property being self reliant and managing by yourself?

What a weird take on social housing.

I’m just replying to your comment about otherwise having to be at the mercy of rents

isn’t that just normal living?

isn’t support supposed to be for those in most need? Shouldn’t we stand aside once we’ve had support and now got to a point of financial stability and security and pass the mantle on to those in greater need? Isn’t this what a compassionate and selfless society should promote?

Have a little think about why that would be ridiculous.

People are going to work just below whatever threshold there would be so they have secure housing, so they won't be paying as much tax.

Or

People would be kicked out of their secure housing, into the private rental market, and then likely need social housing again at some point.

The whole point in social housing is so families have secure homes.

Why turn it down? It's got to be better than living with your parents and your children

You'll have to choose what's more important won't you? Do you want affordable housing or free childcare? Plenty get neither.
Some councils do give you a refusal or two, you'd have to check.

I Am number 2 now. What are the chances of me getting it? Who actually decides is it a computerised thing?

From someone who privately rents. Please please please take the council home. The insecurity of private renting is no way for children to grow up.
I wish you good luck op

Thanks so much. So you would take a flat? Even in a bad area? Mikes away from school as it is the better option, I can’t afford to private rent and I know beggars can’t be choosers so I am extremely grateful for their help.

If you can’t afford to private rent then you don’t have a choice.

If you refuse it, you’re intentionally homeless and the council will not help you.

What do you mean you are No 2 now - have you not actually been offered the property by a Housing Officer ?

were you showing as No 1 on the bidding system and now someone else with a ' higher ' need is now No 1.

As for who decides, the computer does it until the time of closing date, then Housing Officers will look at say the top 3 bids.

However it is possible that the current No 1 is also No 1 on 2 other properties ? as down here in Devon you can bid on up to 3 properties each week.
so No 1 may get offered one or other if s/he has bid on 3 properties, s/he may even be offered all 3 properties.

Oh your no beggar lovely
You deserve safe, warm, secure housing like everyone does.

how old are your children? I’m wondering whether there’s a compelling case from the school to support you being nearer? Completely long shot. And you never know if number 2 home will be worse than number 1.

remember where ever it will be. It will be your front door, your sanctuary, where the memories are made for your children. Where they can be free, decorate their rooms and play.