Council house next step

[mamaandthegirls]

We recently got offered a brand new 2 bedroom house, and are awaiting the council to call me back tomorrow. She stated she wanted to talk to me about ingoings, outgoings and any debts etc.

I don’t really have any debts as such, just a few catalogs I have out in my name that I pay every month, without fail on time.
No CCJ’s etc either.
But wondering what they’re looking for in terms of “debts” and what would make them decline our application going any further?

It will be an affordability assessment ..... that’s what the council did for my friend....they asked her for her outgoings and incomings .....then a week later she was contacted to say she had ‘passed’ ..... think it’s quite normal..... like building society’s deciding how much you can borrow

They have a duty to make sure you can actually afford the rent so will do the incoming/expenses budget for you to check. If you have debts they could also signpost to services to help.

9/10 do they say “you’ve passed” or are there things that they don’t allow?

@mamaandthegirls

9/10 do they say “you’ve passed” or are there things that they don’t allow?

With my friend it was more a case of income outweighing bills/living expenses.....although there were certain debts that were an instant nono.... eg having outstanding rent arrears to council or private and certain ccjS.... my friend had an Argos card that’s she had credit on and a credit card with £1k on and nursery fees .... but ‘Passed’ the affordability test.... it surprises me that the council don’t do this first as my friend had been bidding for 6 months and finally got the house but the last hurdle was the affordability test which she could have failed then had to rent privately....... seems a funny way to do things

@Kitkat151 interesting you said about the 1k Argos card thing as I have 1k left to pay with next online account! I do pay them every month & make sure it’s paid on time though. Do you think that might effect anything?!
So worried as the house is perfect for us and close to my daughters school.

Hi Op, the best thing to do is just be honest and up front about your outgoings the only way it should really affect you is if they don't think it's affordable for you.

Surely if you can't afford a council house you wouldn't be able to afford a private one as a council house in generally a but cheaper

The 1k on a store card won’t affect anything, as long as your income is more than your outgoings (including any debt repayments)

Definitely make sure you don't owe any council tax on your current property.