I’m 20 and just got given my first council house for £97 a week – trolls moan their tax pays for my home, but I work too
A YOUNG woman was thrilled to get her own council home but trolls were quick to try and ruin it for her.
Amber Portia, 20, will be moving into her new-build council house soon and took to social media to show it off.
The council flat, which was in a newly built property, had a huge bedroom, along with a bathroom with a bath and shower, and an open-plan kitchen and living room.
Amber said: "First look at my council flat as a 20-year-old who lives on their own."
"Bedroom, massive, really nice daylight in it.
"Sexy little bathroom with a bath, in a new build. Madness!"
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There was also a huge airing cupboard for extra storage and an open-planned kitchen and living room.
"Kitchen is absolutely huge," she continued. "You've got space for a washing machine, oven, fridge, freezer, and built-in bins."
In total Amber said the place would cost her just £97 a week in rent and she was chuffed to start her life in the new home.
But people were quick to try and ruin it for Amber with one writing: "Meanwhile I can't get one for 6 years."
Another penned: "For those of us working day in, day out - you're welcome."
"I work full time but thank you," said Amber.
In another video, Amber explained her situation a little bit more adding that she was a care leaver so the council had to home her.
She said: "As a care leaver, you get a council flat a lot easier than a lot of other people cause they do not want to make you homeless, cause they're your legal guardian."
While many stay in care until 18, there is the option to stay until 21, hence Amber has her home now at 20 years old.
She was put on the bidding list and stayed on there for six weeks until she was accepted into her property.
For those complaining they couldn't get a council house for their family Amber explained that while her new home was gorgeous it wasn't suitable for children.
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.
"It is a third floor flat and it's a one bed," she continued.
"It's massive, it's lovely for me, but it won't be suitable for children; it won't be suitable for older people because of the stairs.
"It's very subject to your situation."
One person wrote: "People can be so negative without even considering a person's situation. Happy you now have your own safe little haven!"
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Another commented: "Perfect flat, so much potential, hope you will be very happy there."
"Congrats, it’s a lovely looking place, hope you get settled in quickly and enjoy your space," penned a third.