Council housing - how long did you wait?

Computer_Beginner

Enterprise_1701C wrote: »

How it started is hardly relevant, these days it is intended to give people that can't afford current rents access to accommodation.

Of course it's relevant.
You brought up the case of Bob Crow, who may well have been allocated his home before "needs based allocation" started.

But more importantly, the "hard of thinking" allow themselves to be manipulated by the government, the elites and the mainstream media into blaming the poor for the problems in this country.

There is a shortage of housing because the government restricts planning permission. Simple as that.

yellowbear

My sister is in a 2 bed house. Has been on the waiting list for a 3 bed for 22 years. She applied when her 2nd child was one as advised by her housing officer at the time.

PasturesNew

Where I used to live, I went on the list in about 1978 and in about 1990 I phoned to ask "how long...?" and the answer was "Another 20 years and we might be able to get you into a shared house"....

Waiting lists/criteria etc vary from council to council across the country.

If I'd waited for that I'd probably still be waiting.

Where I used to live couples were ahead of singles in the queue. I had a friend who got engaged/married and got a house; they later divorced and he left and was given another house .... they were both younger than me but I would've still been waiting.... waiting... for "a room".

eamon

Mostly anybody can apply for council/social housing. However as demand exceeds supply then waiting lists happen and not helped by right to buy.



Social housing is incredibly difficult to manage even more so when national government changes the rules constantly and then dresses this up with nonsense such as choice based lettings, market based rent and lastly the bitterness/spite/evil/hatred of the bedroom tax. Its a rigged market on purpose.

pickledonionspaceraider

eamon wrote: »

Mostly anybody can apply for council/social housing. .

Only the most vulnerable are taken on board these days. Low wage earners and desperate

Towser

Has the bedroom tax eased the situation?

Has the cap on benefits eased the situation?

Have any government actions eased the situation?

BlackBird75

Towser wrote: »

Has the bedroom tax eased the situation?

Has the cap on benefits eased the situation?

Have any government actions eased the situation?

Why would the government want to help ordinary people?
The government is too busy looking after their friends in the banking sector and the mainstream media.

pickledonionspaceraider

sevenhills wrote: »

If that were the case we would have estates full of vulnerable people, not a good idea.
In some areas the council let 25% of their house to the people that have been on the waiting list the longest, no special requirements required.

unfortunately, in my area, it is true - the council will only help certain types of folk that fit strict criteria.

The main ones being:-
Homeless (but not intentionally so)
Leaving care system
Being victimised - must show lots of proof
Serious medical need - must show lots of evidence
All must be low wage earners / on benefits

And most cases, only get offered one place...if you don't take it, you are intentionally homeless. Nevermind if you are in a wheelchair and it is fourth story flat with no lift ( I know a lady this actually happened to)

hammy1988

My mum has a large three bed semi detached for council, and has asked to move to a smaller house or bungalow...still waiting two years later. You think they'd bite her arm off...

Murphybear

bouicca21 wrote: »

The ex and I went on the council housing list in 1976. For all I know we might still be on it.

I got married in Wandsworth in 1978. The council wouldn't put us on the list as we had no children or disabilities.