To think that there is a misunderstanding about social housing.

[Bitchesbelike]

On social media, lots of people assume that people in social / council housing are getting a free house and don’t work.

i grew up in social housing: my dad worked from age 15 to 65.

my brothers have worked since they were 16 and both live in social housing.

its not “free housing”: it’s rented, affordable accommodation.

There are some twats on here OP, like the 1 running about cars.

Yes people need telling

it’s not free or subsidised
its not even that cheap
you don’t need to move out at any point
most tenancies turn into lifetime tenancies
we can rattle around in our 3 bed houses long after the kids have left home

I absolutely think social housing should exist and focused on those that need the help the most. However to say it’s not subsidised is incorrect. A lot of housing associations rely on other income streams to be able to afford to offer social housing at a reduced rate vs the local rental market. So while it isn’t ‘free’ housing, the true cost isn’t always fully covered by the renter.

My mum grew up in a council house after her Dad died when she was young, my grandma never worked, so for them it was free housing. But I appreciate for many others it isn't free. She lived in a 4 bedroom house on her own for about 40 years once all the children moved out, which feels crazy when I see families through my work who live 6 people in a 1 bedroom flat and disabled children are developing life limiting complications through not having enough space to access the specialist equipment they need.

The system has also been damaged by right to buy. When I moved to London myself and some friends rented a place which was an ex council house. The guy we rented from boasted about how he and his extended family now have about 8 ex council houses and renting them out is their full business. That, IMHO is wrong. Subsidised housing for those in need - absolutely. Making people millionaires whilst others remain homeless - absolutely not.

It’s a lot cheaper than private rental.

just saying.

What reduced rate? Maybe it’s the private landlords who are raising their own rents making social housing rent appear low/subsidised/whatever?

How much cheaper?

Yanbu x

People are awful. They know this, they just like instigating a bigot sesh

Lots of people in social housing work, and do so proudly. And some have reasons that they can't. They should also be proud, they're a valid part of society.

Same as in private rentals.

And, funnily enough, same among the rich. The number of rich people living off of inherited wealth and not working isn't small.

In all aspects of society, there are people who are able to work and those who aren't 🙌

MN has been an absolute cesspit for benefit bashing lately.
Now wide eyed innocent posts from people assuming that anyone on council houses is on the bones of their arse and should not have a car. Or should not be in a nice house in a nice area... a thread running about that too.

Everyone thinks everyone else has it easier op, I wouldn’t let it bother you

If you’re rattling around why not downsize so someone more in need can take your bigger house?

How old are your brothers now OP?

If a single 18 year old boy registered as homeless /in need of housing they wouldn’t get a look in these days. They’d be lucky to get a room in a hostel.

Calm down hen. A few posts that I’ve seen on Facebook tonight show that many people seem to have the idea that the council houses are given for free: and that people with one don’t have jobs or pay rent. Now of course, some people may use housing benefit to pay their rent, but so will some private renters too

It is subsidised. Anything provided at below market rate is by definition subsidised. I strongly feel it should be reserved for those in need, particularly those who are working but can’t afford private rents. I think the fact that people can stay when they no longer need help or don’t need the space is appalling.

Why did she live in 4 bed council house alone for 40 years? Why not voluntarily downsize?
I agree the right to buy wasn’t a good idea

in their 40s and 50s now !

I agree.

Exactly. Those days have gone.

My friend lives in a three bedroom council house, her rent is £102 per week. I private rent in the same area and my rent is £900 per month. I don’t have an issue with this, she works and has small children, it’s what those houses were designed for. I do however think it’s wrong that my husband’s mum and dad are allowed to stay in their 4 bed council home that was given to them in the 80s. They should be moved to a one bedroom property and a family should get their council property.

I have….but nobody was forcing me

but that’s not actually as easy as it sounds. A flippant ‘downsize then’ comment like that is quite ignorant

My parents are in the house I grew up in.... 3 bed and it is just them now. They were offered money to downsize... but there was no where to downsize to

The social housing I know of on this street is about 10% of market rent. Lifetime tenancy

If you live in the south the waiting lists are prioritised by need & are 10+ years long. New council homes tend to go only to the most vulnerable/poorest which are rarely those households with two adults working full time.

Also council housing is at social rent, which is lower still than "affordable" rent. In many areas social rent is under 20% of market rents, and often to be poor enough to access it you'd typically be receiving the housing element of UC and not paying rent at all.