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Original poster

Council houses owning brand new cars?

736 replies

TheCluelessMum · 06/05/2025 20:52

I’m writing this post with the hopes of being educated, not slandered

however I completely appreciate I may be just completely shot down for asking this.

i live on a new build estate, 12 houses at the start of the estate are council houses. I don’t know this because I’m a snob, I know this because it’s clearly marked on plans when you buy those houses.

i see so much stuff online about how the UK benefits system is failing people, the higher rise of food banks. It’s absolutely abhorrent people are in this situation.

however, when entering my estate today I noticed that each and every single council house had a car newer that a 20 plate. Mercedes, Audi’s, BMW’s even range rovers.. there was not a single house out of the 12 which had an older than 20 plate car.

I am now confused as to why this is the case? Everyone I know (including those receiving benefits) continually speaks about how hard the cost of living is.

so could someone please answer how/why those in what we would presume lower income families, are able to afford such lavish cars.

OP posts:
TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 16:45

XenoBitch · 08/05/2025 16:34

Expensive Sky TV packages and Peloton will be next.

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And let's not get started on brows, eyelashes, tans and Botox!

WildflowerConstellations · 08/05/2025 17:08

@HamptonPlace I'm not sure why you keep talking about needy families when I've explained in detail the way applicants are prioritised for social housing. There are different kinds of housing need.

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 17:12

XenoBitch · 08/05/2025 16:20

Meanwhile, in the real world, people in social housing are allowed cars. And being able to buy one outright or lease one, or swap their PIP for one, does not mean they should be evicted out into the private sector. That is not how it works, no matter how many people on here are stamping their feet insisting it should be that way.

I mean, even private rental are not easy to come by nowadays with upwards of 30 interested parties per property. Should someone who can easily afford private rent, and have a nice car, be forced out and made to get a mortgage?

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"Should someone who can easily afford private rent, and have a nice car, be forced out and made to get a mortgage?" emmmmm yes, that's the entire point. If you can afford it the system should be structured to allow a family in need to have a home? (the Q was never around having a car as such, in today's world pretty much essential (I know there are exceptions) but why they are allowed to, essentially, pay for them with their subsidised rent...)

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 17:14

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 17:12

"Should someone who can easily afford private rent, and have a nice car, be forced out and made to get a mortgage?" emmmmm yes, that's the entire point. If you can afford it the system should be structured to allow a family in need to have a home? (the Q was never around having a car as such, in today's world pretty much essential (I know there are exceptions) but why they are allowed to, essentially, pay for them with their subsidised rent...)

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Forced mortgages 🤣 you will buy this house!

Coconutter24 · 08/05/2025 17:26

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 10:58

are there not many thousands of families out there ARE actively looking for council help with housing, living in temporary housing, because (for exampke) people who can afford new BMWs are hogging the limited council housing supply?

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And when those families come out of temporary accommodation and get a council house then what??….. they are never allowed to earn enough to buy nice things? They have to stay needy?

BIossomtoes · 08/05/2025 17:50

pay for them with their subsidised rent...)

Their rents aren’t subsidised.

vodkaredbullgirl · 08/05/2025 17:56

BIossomtoes · 08/05/2025 17:50

pay for them with their subsidised rent...)

Their rents aren’t subsidised.

I know, it's getting a bit tedious now.

TheWorminLabyrinth · 08/05/2025 18:05

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 17:12

"Should someone who can easily afford private rent, and have a nice car, be forced out and made to get a mortgage?" emmmmm yes, that's the entire point. If you can afford it the system should be structured to allow a family in need to have a home? (the Q was never around having a car as such, in today's world pretty much essential (I know there are exceptions) but why they are allowed to, essentially, pay for them with their subsidised rent...)

Show quote history

Their rents aren't subsidised.

At this point it's clear you are on the wind-up, but the above bears repeating because too many people believe it to be true.

BIossomtoes · 08/05/2025 18:41

At this rate it’s going to be every other post.

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:41

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 17:14

Forced mortgages 🤣 you will buy this house!

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Well you can choose whatever route you want, but not deny social housing to a family in need…

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 18:44

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:41

Well you can choose whatever route you want, but not deny social housing to a family in need…

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Yes ok, if you like.

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 18:44

BIossomtoes · 08/05/2025 18:41

At this rate it’s going to be every other post.

It's just someone being a bit silly now. Takes all sorts I guess.

vodkaredbullgirl · 08/05/2025 18:54

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:41

Well you can choose whatever route you want, but not deny social housing to a family in need…

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Ok whatever you say.

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:55

TheWorminLabyrinth · 08/05/2025 18:05

Their rents aren't subsidised.

At this point it's clear you are on the wind-up, but the above bears repeating because too many people believe it to be true.

Show quote history

How is it not subsidised if they are paying less than market rate?

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:56

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:55

How is it not subsidised if they are paying less than market rate?

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Love the handle btw “would’ve taken right to that castle!”

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:59

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 16:32

Ok say people are evicted because of their car. What next? What other things are people in social housing not allowed to have because others think they're a lower class of being and wrap that up in a coat of faux concern?

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Of course they’re allowed to have a car. But using their subsidy to rent an extravagant luxury car doesn’t seem to ethical to me… but it’s not their fault individually, of course, it’s the structure of the system…

BIossomtoes · 08/05/2025 19:01

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:59

Of course they’re allowed to have a car. But using their subsidy to rent an extravagant luxury car doesn’t seem to ethical to me… but it’s not their fault individually, of course, it’s the structure of the system…

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Their rents aren’t subsidised.

Newusername3kidss · 08/05/2025 19:01

YourElatedLimeShark · 06/05/2025 20:58

I live in a council house. And I work so hard on my own business. My kids have brand new iPhones. I have a gorgeous 67 plate fancy car and have another vehicle too. We eat amazing food. Eat out often. Have nice clothes. Designer sunglasses. I vape. I don’t drink. I go the gym and have a PT. My kids go to multiple clubs almost every day of the week. I have a 65 inch TV on my wall. I have well cared for pets.

May be these guys are the same? Not everyone in a council house is poor etc. many work. And work bloody hard.

Why aren’t you renting privately then? Genuinely confused. I’ve never “qualified” for a council property. I thought they were means tested and there for people who can’t afford private rents.

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 19:02

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 18:59

Of course they’re allowed to have a car. But using their subsidy to rent an extravagant luxury car doesn’t seem to ethical to me… but it’s not their fault individually, of course, it’s the structure of the system…

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👍

Layla30 · 08/05/2025 19:14

Have always been of the belief that council houses were to help people starting out while they needed it.
Then, if and when you managed to get yourself to a position where you could afford a mortgage/own house then you move on.
It evidently isn’t that way at all but that is why there is a massive lack of local authority properties nowadays!
As an aside when my husband left the army we put our names down for a council house - that was 35 years ago and we still haven’t got one….

Flamingopingo · 08/05/2025 19:25

HamptonPlace · 07/05/2025 17:48

but why a BMW, not, say, a Volkswagen Golf (still quite a price car compared to others) ...

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I honestly don't know why anyone would choose a BMW 😂 I guess the answer is that's the car they prefer? If its in their budget and that's what they want, why not?

TheFastTraybake · 08/05/2025 19:28

Layla30 · 08/05/2025 19:14

Have always been of the belief that council houses were to help people starting out while they needed it.
Then, if and when you managed to get yourself to a position where you could afford a mortgage/own house then you move on.
It evidently isn’t that way at all but that is why there is a massive lack of local authority properties nowadays!
As an aside when my husband left the army we put our names down for a council house - that was 35 years ago and we still haven’t got one….

The reason why there's a massive shortage of council housing is, of course, because much of it was sold off and not replaced.

XenoBitch · 08/05/2025 19:28

HamptonPlace · 08/05/2025 17:12

"Should someone who can easily afford private rent, and have a nice car, be forced out and made to get a mortgage?" emmmmm yes, that's the entire point. If you can afford it the system should be structured to allow a family in need to have a home? (the Q was never around having a car as such, in today's world pretty much essential (I know there are exceptions) but why they are allowed to, essentially, pay for them with their subsidised rent...)

Show quote history

How can you force someone to get mortgage?

XenoBitch · 08/05/2025 19:31

Layla30 · 08/05/2025 19:14

Have always been of the belief that council houses were to help people starting out while they needed it.
Then, if and when you managed to get yourself to a position where you could afford a mortgage/own house then you move on.
It evidently isn’t that way at all but that is why there is a massive lack of local authority properties nowadays!
As an aside when my husband left the army we put our names down for a council house - that was 35 years ago and we still haven’t got one….

Council houses have life time tenancies. They are not "starter" homes. If they were, people would get moved on.

ArminTamzerian · 08/05/2025 19:47

Newusername3kidss · 08/05/2025 19:01

Why aren’t you renting privately then? Genuinely confused. I’ve never “qualified” for a council property. I thought they were means tested and there for people who can’t afford private rents.

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Because she has a council house. Why would she leave her home for insecure expensive unregulated private rental?