Council housing points?

[Kissedbubble93]

Wasn't sure where to post this.

I'm 6 months pregnant and newly single. I have applied for council housing within my borough and I'm on the list which is all fine. But I just wondered if you gain more points for being in employment. I work full time and have a great job. I don't private tent because on maternity pay I will not be able to afford the payments and for now I can stay with family until the council can house me.

Just wondered how long it has taken other people to get housed and am I higher priority because I work?

Thank you all in advance

Housing allocation goes on your housing need not your employment status.

A lot depends on your needs and those of others on the list. A friend got a flat within 2 weeks because he was about to become homeless.

If you parents throw you out when the baby arrives you might go up the list but if there are another 50 people with children ahead of you it won't make much difference.

In fact they could put you in emergency accommodation and leave you there for a few weeks - years.

Not higher priority because you work.

Priority is generally given to those who are more vulnerable for exampke those out of work, have health issues, homeless or serious over crowding.

If you go on your housings bidfing site it will give you an average waiting time for each banding.

You nay want to look in to the possibility of claiming housing benefit while on mat leave.

Thank you for your comments.

I had read online that working gains you more points, when I asked the council they couldn't comment so I thought I would double check.

Thank you for the advice :)

In my area working is prioritised over those not working.

If you go on your borough site they should have an allocation policy and outline answers to questions like this, hth

If you're not higher priority because you work; the system is deeply, deeply flawed...

As above have a look at the allocation policy.

You might be entitled to benefits such as housing benefit now and others (as well as child benefit) when the baby is born. Your local citizens advice may be able to help you work that out or you could use entitledto.co.uk which has a benefit calculator. You'll need details of current earning and for last year, hours you'll be working, the amount of rent and council tax band to work things out. For the rent perhaps you could have a look at letting agencies or estate agents.

It depends on the local council's own allocations policy. More and more often, priority is given to working people.

I know that this is the case in the London Borough that I live in anyway.

You need to check your area's policy to find out and sometimes they won't always want to tell you if you are able to get more points.

Don't assume that the people at the housing office are trying to help you out; make sure you research and then read everything and be prepared to challenge what they tell you. Email correspondence is preferable as then you have proof.

I live in a HA property that I am 'entitled' to according to my council's published allocations policy, but I had to fight hard for it!

Good luck.

I'm just outside of London in Essex.
I was put on the list with no issues, they were really helpful actually.
I am able to bid and in the correct band for my circumstances. However I know that within the band you have a certain amount of points, I've seen and heard quiet a bit that working people have more points than those who don't.

I was just curious if anyone knew this was definitely true as I couldn't find it on the council website.

I would imagine working would go in my favour.

Thank you all

In my area it's the opposite because you can apparently private rent if you have an income coming in I've been sharing a bedroom in my mums house with DS and been on the list over 2yrs without even a sniff of being offered anything

Anyone can private rent but everyone is also entitled to council housing. Especially if you qualify to be on the list.

Different areas have different waiting lists I suppose.

Working people should be able to get council housing the same as those not working.

When council housing was first introduced, you had to be in employment to be considered. You needed a character reference too! How bizarre that it's been completely turned on it's head and those with no evidence of income are given first priority...

I know, it seems silly for people who are working that they should private rent, everyone can work. Its hard to find a job I know that but we can all do some sort of work.

It's not fair that people who outright do not want to work, get a council place and get it paid for.

Working people shouldn't have to private rent and pay almost double council rent in some areas, would be better to not work if that's the case

Some housing associations have properties which stipulate tenants must be employed or in education.

Everywhere is so different. I was lowest priority and got a 3 bed house, with only 1 DS, 1 day after bidding, as they actually have surplus housing in my area (County Durham). It's an immense relief to have somewhere secure after private renting for 18 years.

As far as I'm aware being in employment doesn't give you higher points.

Depending on where you are and what the housing is available in your area you may find it very tough to get anything because you are living with your mum, the council will just see it as your housed and that will be it if your mum doesn't want you there and declares you homeless they would put in in emergency accommodation which may be a bedsit out the area

You may be better looking at renting something as you would still be able to claim housing benefit that would help

I am only living with my mum temporary. The council are aware of this and I have a limit to find somewhere to live. They said I should be housed before the baby arrives. There are quiet a few available properties within the area and not many people bid.

Obviously the prioritise the bidding with the amount of points you have so that's why I wondered if they were more likely to offer me somewhere as I work as appose to someone who doesn't

I really don't want to get stuck renting somewhere as it is difficult to get out of and I am entitled to council housing just like everybody else.

In my area 'positively contributing' status entitles you to bid on certain ringfenced properties. You need to be in work or certain volunteering positions for 9 consecutive months in order to gain this status. It doesn't apply everywhere

In my area you are prioritised for new builds if you are working

Not entirely sure how it works but I know a few families in new builds which are lovely but smaller than the old council housing stock

There's no priority for working status in my London borough. Different councils will have their own allocation criteria. I was allocated a flat due to being homeless and having a high number of points from disability, severe overcrowding, having a disabled child and domestic violence. I can't manage to work due to my disability and caring needs, but I still need to live in this area due to my medical and support network being here.

Hi everyone, so I've had a dig through my councils website and yes it confirms within my band I am higher priority because I work. Finally found it, I was sure it was true.

It does depend on circumstances of course, I'm in a low band but a high priority within that band

Thank you all

That's good. Best of luck.