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Original poster

How to get a council house

260 replies

JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:02

Who deserves it more?

Wtf what kind of country are we living in when we have to choose who deserves shelter and who should be homeless?!

Urgh

OP posts:
Original poster
JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:03

Programme on c4 now btw

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 01/08/2013 21:05

Benefits bashing begins.

NickyNackyNooNoo · 01/08/2013 21:07

I think this could get messy!

It must be so hard though working out whose needs are greater than others...

Original poster
JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:09

Yes it's everywhere at the moment!

Make the commoners fight against each other aye!

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 01/08/2013 21:09

The good ol' private sector, where no one will take him because he will need HB and where the caps will mean it's nigh on impossible. Anywhere around where he can still keep his job.

Original poster
JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:15

Plus the deposits, agency fees etc and non security, could be in the same position in 2 months. Having to fork out another few grand that thy don't have, moving, instability for children etc etc.

Why don't they build more council houses!! Fair affordable rent for all

OP posts:
Original poster
JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:16

Council houses were billed as affordable housing for everyone.
Not last chance saloon, you'll be lucky if you even get considered houses.

OP posts:
WetAugust · 01/08/2013 21:17

I must be watching a different version of this programme as I've seen no benefit bashing or fighting.

I'm just astounded at the conditions in which some people are living and the lengths of time they have been waiting for adequate accommodation.

I'd like to see where the programme takes me before being critical of it.

racmun · 01/08/2013 21:19

Where should all the council houses be built? On the green belt??

The country is literally running out of room!

The system needs sorting there are lots of empty properties offices which could be converted. Saying build more houses isn't actually realistic.

WetAugust · 01/08/2013 21:19

Seems very cruel to have 5 contenders. 3 would surely be more than adequate.

milkysmum · 01/08/2013 21:20

I work for a mental health team in a fairly deprived city and it I'd a constant struggle foe people to secure housing that they can afford. I have several clients homeless at the moment as they are not considered high enough priority at present- Truly shocking in this day and age!

Original poster
JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:21

That's true.
There are so many empty houses. I see lots when walking about, family sized houses. It's such a shame.

I don't like the 'im not a racist but' remarks.

OP posts:
ShadeofViolet · 01/08/2013 21:22

I hope Simon Cowell doesnt see it, he might float the idea of an Xfactor replacement show :(

girliefriend · 01/08/2013 21:22

12 years in band 2 Shock

Blimey am shocked by that!!

bico · 01/08/2013 21:25

There seems to be a way that the benefits people speak to the applicants, as if they (the applicants) are a bit thick. I wonder if they are trained to do this? I had exactly the same when I was unemployed and when I went to sign on each fortnight I was spoken to as if I was really a bit simple.

Original poster
JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/08/2013 21:27

Bico I had the same too. I went to the job centre to get child benefit form (didn't take bounty pack out of principle) and was spoken to as if I was thick as shit scum!

OP posts:
EeTraceyluv · 01/08/2013 21:27

Blimey when we got our council house 13 yeas ago, we had the choice of two, if we turned both down, it was back to the bottom of the list - but you can stay at the top and keep turning them down mow? Have I got that right?? Cannot believe the amount of years people are on he lists now though Shock

racmun · 01/08/2013 21:28

Don't flame but I'm really confused (cuts aside) doesn't claiming housing benefit mean you can rent in the private sector and then not need housing from the council?

How does the system work? And how do you qualify for housing benefit is that different from bands?

Can anyone ex

WetAugust · 01/08/2013 21:29

It's very unequal that some can get subsidised council housing yet others with the same needs have to pay higher in the private sector.

The rent for the Guy who came back from the Philippine's is ridiculous. And councils should not be paying for crappy quality like the guy with the pregnant girlfriend and dog is living in.

Does no one inspect the private sector housing that the public is funding via housing benefit? If not they should be.

I think the whole housing issue in this country needs a fundamental rethink.

WetAugust · 01/08/2013 21:35

Tis complicated Racmum but basically each local authority sets a maximum rent that they will pay for each type of accommodation in the private sector e.g 2 bedroom house max of £550 ocm, 3 bedroom house £750 pcm (rough examples only). This is called Local Housing Allowance.

The council tells you what rate of LHA it will pay based on your family size, your income, any disabilities etc. The person then looks for a private rent that is affordable with the LHA that the council will pay. If the private rent is greater than the LHA you have to pay the extra yourself.

Of course it's much more complicated than that.

NettoSuperstar · 01/08/2013 21:36

I was talked to as if I was a bit thick too.
Benefit claimant=stupid, apparently.

I made sure they damn well knew I wasn't, and if I was, then that shouldn't mean I'd be treated badly.

It took me a year and a half to get my flat, and I only got it because I got an outside agency involved.
I was offered crap, and more crap, and then lied to, repeatedly.
They are still lying to me.

WetAugust · 01/08/2013 21:38

Tell them you are a civil servant - no one has ever talked down to me.

racmun · 01/08/2013 21:40

Thank you August I see now why in Lond

chickensaladagain · 01/08/2013 21:40

The guy that has just been offered a 3 bed with a garden is frustrating me

Entitled much?

racmun · 01/08/2013 21:41

Sorry ......
London especially it's such an issue.

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