HOUSE THAT
I live in a 3-bed council house with just my wife – people we’re benefits scroungers, but I have every right to be here
She has particular circumstances as to why she was originally given a council house
A DIY fan has revealed how she lives in a council house - but people think she’s a benefit scrounger.
Rose-Ann Lay lives with her wife Jessie and their three dogs in a three bedroom house in the UK.
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However, Rose-Ann and Jessie, who are not on benefits, have been targeted by trolls who believe they are “scroungers on benefits.”
Rose-Ann decided to take to TikTok to share a video of how they are not and to clarify why she has every right to be a tenant in a council house.
She says: “Myself and Jessie are not on benefits.
“We do live in a three-bedroom council house, fact.
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“There are circumstances nine times out of ten to why people get a council house.”
Rose-Ann explained that she was first given a council house 12 years ago, but it wasn’t the particular house that she is currently living in.
She continues: “I exchanged into this property.
“I did have circumstances as to why I was given one, that’s completely another story for another video.
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“People’s circumstances can change though just bear that in mind.”
Many people rushed to the comment section on her video, which was shared on her TikTok account , to share their thoughts.
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One wrote: “My friend lives in a council house and she and her partner both work full time, I’ve never thought anything was wrong with it.”
And another added: “What’s wrong with people living in a council house that work im so confused, surly if they can they will get the option to buy it at some point, I’d rather people paying to live in them using them.”
Others complimented Rose-Ann on the decor of her home.
One wrote: “your HOME is gorgeous..it's unbelievable that because you have made it look lovely, you must be rich and either buy your own house or rent privately.
'We did it ourselves'
“Enjoy your gorgeous house.”
Rose-Ann previously revealed to Fabulous how she managed to kit out her house on a budget.
She shared that she has nabbed bargains from Ikea, Tk Maxx, The Range and B&M, and people are gobsmacked when they see her home interior.
Posting on social media, the content creator gave her followers a close-up look inside her home.
How can I get a council house?
To apply for a council home, you need to fill out and hand in an application to your local authority.
To find your local authority, simply use the Government's council locator tool on its website.
Once you have access to your local council's website, it should offer you guidelines on how to complete your application.
After applying, you'll most likely have to join a waiting list.
Bear in mind, even if you are put on a waiting list, this doesn't guarantee you a council house offer.
Your council should also offer you advice on how to stay in your current home and solve any issues you might have, such as problems with a private landlord or mortgage.
You are eligible to if you are a British citizen living in the UK providing have not lived abroad recently.
Each council has its own local rules about who qualifies to go on the housing register in its area, but it is based on "points" or a "banding" system.
For example, you’re likely to be offered housing first if you:
- are homeless
- live in cramped conditions
- have a medical condition made worse by your current home
- are seeking to escape domestic violence
Once you are high enough on a council's waiting list, it will contact you when a property is available.
Some councils let people apply at the age of 18, while others let you apply even sooner at 16-year-olds.
EU workers and their families and refugees may also be eligible.
A council house is reached through a points system, so depending on your housing needs, you may be considered low priority.
The council will contact you about any available property once you are high enough on the waiting list.
There is no limit on how long you can expect to be on the waiting list.
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The couple’s home is kitted out with trendy flooring and panelled wardrobes that are incredibly stylish.
They also have chic navy paint with funky pink splashback tiles, and they even got their very own log cabin with a bar area too.
Rose-Ann told Fabulous: “The wardrobes are Ikea, the kitchen was Wickes.
“Soft furnishings are Tk Mkaxx and The Range mainly.
What It's Really Like Growing Up On A Council Estate
Fabulous reporter, Leanne Hall, recalls what it's like growing up in social housing.
As someone who grew up in a block of flats on a council estate, there are many wild stories I could tell.
From seeing a neighbour throw dog poo at the caretaker for asking them to mow their lawn (best believe they ended up on the Jeremy Kyle show later in life) to blazing rows over packages going missing, I've seen it all.
While there were many times things kicked off, I really do believe most of the time it's because families living on council estates get to know each other so well, they forget they're neighbours and not family.
Yes, things can go from zero to 100 quickly, but you know no matter what you can rely on your neighbour to borrow some milk or watch all of the kids playing outside.
And if you ask me, it's much nicer being in a tight community where boundaries can get crossed than never even knowing your neighbour's name while living on a fancy street.
“The bar in the log cabin my wife built herself and we got the stools from B&M.
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“The bed is Luxury Bed Company, the bedside table in the bedroom is Tk Mkaxx.”
When it came to the bathroom, Rose-Ann confirmed: “My wife did the sink and the tiling herself.”
How to do your council house up on the cheap
- Take inspiration from pricier shops and head to B&M, Home Bargains for interior decorations.
- Head to YouTube for easy to follow tutorials on how to decorate rather than paying for professionals.
- For a quick glow-up for your floors or anywhere with tiles, opt for stick-on vinyl to save on costs.
- A lick of paint does wonders to make a room feel brand-new.
- Switch out kitchen cupboard knobs for modern ones instead of buying brand-new cupboards
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