will she get a council property if she has been arrested?

[jnawboa]

A friends daughter just got out of an abusive relationship. She is currently staying with her mother and has been lucky enough to be offered a council flat.

Because of the abusive relationship she was not allowed to work, have a bank account etc so has managed to sort everything out since being with her mum.

The council asked for refererences but she could not provide any so they said they will run a police background check instead.

She was arrested once when she was 18 and again at 19 ( she stole some make up with friends from a supermarket.) This was 17 years ago and she has not been in trouble since.

Will it affect her getting the flat?

I don't think it will. It was a long time ago. Also social housing areas aren't that picky.

Unlikely going by number of ex prisoners I know who've since gained social housing

Will it affect her getting the flat?
No.

Those convictions would be 'spent' now anyway so probably won't even show up (unless they are doing an enhanced check, which I doubt they are).