How long are council housing waits for growing families?

[99Samblaze]

Hi
We moved to a one bedroom flat in Stockport a year ago. I had my son and now expecting again near Christmas. How long did people wait to get a council house of flat.
We can’t afford a two bedroom flat on the private market so having council house would help a lot.

Thank you

Are people who live in council or housing association properties not ‘normal’? 🤔

Flabergasted that you have to save, plan and think beforehand you have kids?? Welcome to reality

I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/174789677

What's your budget?

we live in a HA , with a mortgage.

It's what people who can afford it do.

Many people will never be able to afford it, especially when already paying private rent costs.

OP please will you quote people when you're posting.
Your thread will make more sense if you do.
Click on the QUOTE button, which is on the left, underneath every post.

Hahahhahahahahahahahahahhaha

OP I have a serious solution for you.
Move to an area where fewer people want to live.

In my part of Argyll and Bute it's only a couple of months to get a council house.

Or you could just plan your family to your resources

I would rethink continuing this pregnancy and leave having a second until you are more financially stable

@CaptainMyCaptain why is it horrible? OP has said the pregnancy was accidental and they were happy with one child. Why is it horrible to suggest that a termination is an option? Are you saying terminations are horrible?

£450 a month for van insurance? £4590 a year?

If you are a British Citizen you can claim benefits. You just wouldn't recieve anything for your husband and your husbands earnings would be taken into account. You can claim even if you're a sponsor. However, reliance on benefits can effect you down the line when your husband applies for settled status so I would recommend you contact a benefits advisory service or citizens advice before you try to make a claim, as they can talk you through the possible consequences.
You should also be entitled to apply for council housing, but if you are refused from joining the list, talk to Shelter as it may be challengable. Another option is to apply directly to local housing associations by passing the council.
The most valuable piece of advice I'd give you though, is not to rely on MN for advice on housing or benefits.
People have an unfortunate habit of advising people based on what they think should be the case, or is fair in their opinion, and often people have more rights and options than people prefer to think. For important matters always seek advice from the reputable sources like Citizens Advice, Shelter etc.

It is rage bait to most as your expecting something when a lot of people are struggling to pay for what they have.

My friend has been told at least 10 years on the waiting list. She has a DS who is 5 and they live with her DM in an already overcrowded council house. The council say she is low priority as she already has a home for herself and her DS even though it is overcrowded and her DM has to share a bedroom with her youngest DD. I wouldn't think you'd have a strong case to be a priority at all as you already have a home and income.

Off topic but van insurance £450 how on earth?

You've basically no chance of getting a bigger house

Here it's seven years at least. Our council have asked tenants to downsize but it's voluntary. We're building housing association properties but it all takes time and money.

Stop buying pampers 🙈 our household income is over £100k and I still can’t afford 25p/nappy. Supermarket own brand are just as absorbent.

ok I’ll bite if this is genuine. I’m from the near area and while I own my own home I have friends and family in the area on the waiting lists. You are looking at 5 years plus if you are even accepted for the waiting lists. I’m sorry but if both of you are working. Then you need to rent privately not expect the council to fund you . Or look at the home swap pages on social media . People sometimes downsize and want flats etc.

I thought exactly the same.

If its girl and boy, you become eligible to bid when the eldest turns 10. If its another boy, you aren't eligible at all, the boys would be expected to share and you sleep in front room.
Once you start bidding it depends on availability. Wait lists in my area are upwards of 10 years.

So taking in extra millions of people in a short space of time hasn’t contributed to the housing crisis?
Ok. Is that what is called ‘girl math’?

You can justify the tax payer picking up the tab because you don't want to? Then you wonder why folk saying this is rage bait?!

I am not against social housing, it is a most excellent thing. I am against the entitlement of too many people. It is supposed to be a safety net.