I've been offered a council house!

mummymoo

ive actually been offered a council house (whinging pays off i guess) the problem is ive been looking and looking for a house to rent for MONTHS (january!) my landlord has sold the house im in and ive just found one and payed deposit due to move in thursday a beautyful 4 bed house that even accepts rent allowance, ive schools registered, addresses changed on everything, moving van booked ive everything sorted! and now today i get offered a council house that is nowhere near where i am, if i take it i will need to change all schools (pre school and primary) and addresses etc, the house is '3 bedroom' but it is actually a 2 bed house that has been converted into a 3 bed by dividing a room, i have a boy and a girl and a bump! im not sure if it will be suitable for 3 children and ive not seen what it is actually like on the inside, it is in a nice place tho and im very VERY lucky to be even offered a house after only 1.5 years on waiting list, if i turn it down will i be allowed to get rent allowance still? or if i take it would i be entitled to apply for a transfer if it is a cramped space?

fussyonion

Hang on. You've just been offered a house and now you're considering refusing it or move in and then transfer somewhere else?
You would PREFER to take the rent allowance house?
Are you mad?
You've been offered a stable home for life and you aren't happy about it....I don't know what to say. I'm gobsmacked.

nc19

fussyonion wrote: »

Hang on. You've just been offered a house and now you're considering refusing it or move in and then transfer somewhere else?
You would PREFER to take the rent allowance house?
Are you mad?
You've been offered a stable home for life and you aren't happy about it....I don't know what to say. I'm gobsmacked.

Maybe if you were in this persons position your gob would remain unsmacked

if I had the choice I would choose RA over a council house too.

fussyonion

nc19 wrote: »

Maybe if you were in this persons position your gob would remain unsmacked

if I had the choice I would choose RA over a council house too.

I have been in a similar position.

I was on Rent Allowance. And I know full well how hard it is to get a Landlord to accept it, so nobody on Rent Allowance would actively choose to be on it over a council home.

The OP went on the Housing List because she wanted to be housed.
She has been offered somewhere now and she's debating that she might not take it because it's not where she wants to live.

She would have chosen what areas she wanted to live in when she first applied to the Housing List.
I swear to God, some people just want want want.

TimeToShine

I agree with fussyonion but I also empathise with the OP to some extent. If the LL accepts RA and she doesn't cause any trouble for the foreseeable future then she pretty much has a stable home.

A chat with the LL might be in order to see what the likelihood of an "unexpected circumstance" arising is that would result in him having to move back in to the old house.

fussyonion

TimeToShine wrote: »

I agree with fussyonion but I also empathise with the OP to some extent. If the LL accepts RA and she doesn't cause any trouble for the foreseeable future then she pretty much has a stable home.

A chat with the LL might be in order to see what the likelihood of an "unexpected circumstance" arising is that would result in him having to move back in to the old house.

Rent Allowance is not stable. Every year a Rent Review form is sent to RA tenants and almost every year, or every two years, the Allowance is cut.
What's going to happen next year if the Allowance is cut and the LL refuses to lower his rent?

The OP is going to have to look for somewhere else. I reckon then she'll regret not taking the council home.

If she took the council home, she'd have a stable and secure home for her children. She could also return to work and not fear that a LL is going to turn up one day and say he's selling up.

My point is that RA is not secure and a council home is.
And moreover, she applied for council housing and now she's been offered a place. I don't understand why someone would turn it down. I don't think her reasons are good enough, to be honest.

I was offered a council home in an area that I didn't choose as my number one preference but I was so thankful for somewhere that I made the most of it and the relief of not being on RA anymore was priceless.

padma

As its only June, you do have the summer to sort out schools. You can also cancel the moving date to the date you move in to the council house. I'm sure the man with the van will oblige. Get on the phone to the new landlord and have a chat with him about getting different tenants in.

Having a council house is security for life. Having a landlord you are prone to market rates and it may become the case further down the line of him upping the rent on you yearly.

If it was my choice I know where I'd be going. You say the new council house is in a fine area, happy days. Enjoy YOUR new home.

fussyonion

Just to add to the OP's questions:

You have two refusals. If you refuse one, who knows how long you'll be waiting before your next offer?
If you don't give good enough reasons for refusing, your Rent Allowance will be stopped and you'll be removed from the Housing List and you would have to reapply a year later.

If you take the council home, you can only apply for a transfer when you've been living in the new place for two years.

Waiting 1 and a half years for a council property isn't a wait at all and OP, I reckon you're really fortunate to be offered somewhere so quickly.
You said the home is in a really nice place.

Why not look at it as a fresh start for you and your family?
A lot of people who are offered council homes are given properties in areas they don't actually like.

mummymoo

everyone ive asked has said the house is very very small, it wouldnt be a stable home if im having to move out again because it is 4 people living in what was a 2 bedroom house, i love the area, if the house had been originally a 3 bed house i would take it no problem, and the house i have payed deposit on, the landlord owns his own house and will without a doubt accept rent allowance, he has agreed to a long term let as i already have my children in school here, im not asking to move into this council house and immediately apply for a bigger house im talking in the long run what would be my better option here

smelly sock

mummymoo wrote: »

ive actually been offered a council house (whinging pays off i guess) the problem is ive been looking and looking for a house to rent for MONTHS (january!) my landlord has sold the house im in and ive just found one and payed deposit due to move in thursday a beautyful 4 bed house that even accepts rent allowance, ive schools registered, addresses changed on everything, moving van booked ive everything sorted! and now today i get offered a council house that is nowhere near where i am, if i take it i will need to change all schools (pre school and primary) and addresses etc, the house is '3 bedroom' but it is actually a 2 bed house that has been converted into a 3 bed by dividing a room, i have a boy and a girl and a bump! im not sure if it will be suitable for 3 children and ive not seen what it is actually like on the inside, it is in a nice place tho and im very VERY lucky to be even offered a house after only 1.5 years on waiting list, if i turn it down will i be allowed to get rent allowance still? or if i take it would i be entitled to apply for a transfer if it is a cramped space?

Take it. Your on to the gravy train from the minute you get it and from the impression I get from your post your one of them who expects everything for nothing and think it is your entitlement. You'll never have to consider getting a job, and at the moment you are probably getting more every week and month in silly payments for your kids than you would if you actually got a job.

"The cheek of them only offering me a small 3 bed".

Best of luck, enjoy the gravy train.

TimeToShine

In the long run obviously the council house is the better choice.

Better off moving your kids now while they're in playschool/early primary than doing it later.

fussyonion

mummymoo wrote: »

everyone ive asked has said the house is very very small, it wouldnt be a stable home if im having to move out again because it is 4 people living in what was a 2 bedroom house, i love the area, if the house had been originally a 3 bed house i would take it no problem, and the house i have payed deposit on, the landlord owns his own house and will without a doubt accept rent allowance, he has agreed to a long term let as i already have my children in school here, im not asking to move into this council house and immediately apply for a bigger house im talking in the long run what would be my better option here

How many children did you have when you applied for housing?

If you had two girls, for example, at the time you applied, then you'd have been down for a two bed house.

I don't understand how the council are offering you a house that doesn't seem to fit your needs.
Did you inform the council of your pregnancy/subsequent children?

And if your Rent Allowance is cut, you'll have to ask your LL to reduce his rent.
Are you saying he'll do that no problem for the forseeable future?

padma

for the long term, I'd move in to the council house, then when baby is born go chat to the council about a slightly bigger home for the changing environment. This puts you in a much better position than refusing, staying on rent allowance and going back down on the waiting list, meanwhile thousands going to a landlord.

nc19

fussyonion wrote: »

I have been in a similar position.

I was on Rent Allowance. And I know full well how hard it is to get a Landlord to accept it, so nobody on Rent Allowance would actively choose to be on it over a council home.

The OP went on the Housing List because she wanted to be housed.
She has been offered somewhere now and she's debating that she might not take it because it's not where she wants to live.

She would have chosen what areas she wanted to live in when she first applied to the Housing List.
I swear to God, some people just want want want.

RA - once you can get a landlord to accept RA you can choose EXACTLY where you live and how you live in terms of working class/middle class areas and therefore how you live in terms of anti social behaviour and the likelihood of it.

LOH - You get what you're given to an extent.



any council estate in my local area is not somewhere I would choose to live let alone bring kids up in.

So, if OP found a nice house in a nice area on RA and the council have a smaller house in a worse area why would she take it?

TimeToShine

fussyonion wrote: »

How many children did you have when you applied for housing?

If you had two girls, for example, at the time you applied, then you'd have been down for a two bed house.

I don't understand how the council are offering you a house that doesn't seem to fit your needs.
Did you inform the council of your pregnancy/subsequent children?

And if your Rent Allowance is cut, you'll have to ask your LL to reduce his rent.
Are you saying he'll do that no problem for the forseeable future?

It is a 3 bedroom, it has just been "converted".

TBH I am teetering dangerously towards the entitled train of thought the more I think about it. Schools seem to be the big issue and there's 3 months for that.

padma

nc19 wrote: »

RA - once you can get a landlord to accept RA you can choose EXACTLY where you live and how you live in terms of working class/middle class areas and therefore how you live in terms of anti social behaviour and the likelihood of it.

LOH - You get what you're given to an extent.



any council estate in my local area is not somewhere I would choose to live let alone bring kids up in.

So, if OP found a nice house in a nice area on RA and the council have a smaller house in a worse area why would she take it?

The OP has said though that it is in a really Nice place, also she hasn't seen it, so who knows it may have had an extension or something worked to it. It could be lovely.

smelly sock

It more than likely will be in a nice spot. Where some people have broken their backs to get mortgages and pay them while others are just handed everything. Mixing social housing with private housing is a good idea but doesn't work well in reality.

padma

Owning your own house and living in a council house are two different things.

Rasmus

Going for the council house is the most secure option for your children. Rent allowance will continue to go down and you can't entirely rely on a private rental situation. When you are on your feet and making better money, you can always choose a neighbourhood that is more convenient or that you like better. The only issue I would raise is with the council and that is you should inform them of your new arrival as they have assessed you on two children. They might want to house you somewhere else, in which case you would still need to move somewhere else in the meantime.

Zamboni

mummymoo wrote: »

ive actually been offered a council house (whinging pays off i guess) the problem is ive been looking and looking for a house to rent for MONTHS (january!) my landlord has sold the house im in and ive just found one and payed deposit due to move in thursday a beautyful 4 bed house that even accepts rent allowance, ive schools registered, addresses changed on everything, moving van booked ive everything sorted! and now today i get offered a council house that is nowhere near where i am, if i take it i will need to change all schools (pre school and primary) and addresses etc, the house is '3 bedroom' but it is actually a 2 bed house that has been converted into a 3 bed by dividing a room, i have a boy and a girl and a bump! im not sure if it will be suitable for 3 children and ive not seen what it is actually like on the inside, it is in a nice place tho and im very VERY lucky to be even offered a house after only 1.5 years on waiting list, if i turn it down will i be allowed to get rent allowance still? or if i take it would i be entitled to apply for a transfer if it is a cramped space?

Take it.
One generation ago is was not uncommon to have up to 13 people living in a small 2 bed house.
You will manage.
Give your kids the stability they need to get a good education and get out of the welfare trap and prevent inter-generational state dependency.
Best of luck.

ameee

padma wrote: »

Owning your own house and living in a council house are two different things.

Except not paying property tax its much the same, a house for life that you can do up and change to your taste. After a few years you can buy it at a discounted price if you can afford it.

Op I think you are crazy your landlord could sell up or go bust anytime and you would have to leave and uproot your kids. To have long term security for your children should be the most important thing in the world not having a bigger house.

You dont know how lucky you are only waiting such a short time for a house.
You are aware I hope that the government are trying to change the law so people on ra are taken off the housing list altogether so if you dont take this house you will be stuck on rent allowance forever subject to to the whims of landlords and yearly welfare cuts and changes. Take the house and count your blessings.

mummymoo

its not been extended tho as ive said its one bedroom that has been divided to make it a 2 bedroom because the people that lived before me had another child, so it was originally given as a council house for a family with 1 child, i will have 3! ive also been told that the down stairs kitchen living area is all open plan, im concerned about our sanity lol i have told the council that i am expecting but i dont know if they have taken note of it, i dont even know if im alowed to see the house? and also i DONT get everything handed to me because some people seem to think i do just because ive been offered a house, i barely get by with what i have, im very lucky to be offered a council house

Mrs OBumble

Is there any chance that the father of your bump will be joining in your domestic bliss any time soon? If not, then a 3brm should be more than adequate, even if the children's bedrooms are small: they're kids, they will adapt to whatever space they have.

And no, your impending No 3 will not be taken account of in the allocation until it actually pops its head out and turns into a human being. At the moment you're a sole parent with two kids and that is what it is based on.

You should be able to view the house before deciding, contact the council to ask about it.

Day Lewin

Many of us grew up in small three -bed houses with very large families: the baby shares the parents room for the first little while anyway...other kids in bunks, they have a shelf each...it really is do-able, and millions have done it!
and a permanent address is very stable for kids and still offers possibilities of being offered a larger home as your family grows

Whereas Rent Allowance always feels like a stopgap. Take the house, make it your welcoming home, - large or small.
Kids all over the world grow up in huts and trailers and 2-room flats - and they turn out fine! (if they are taught right behaviour)

Bird-in-the-hand, etc - I say take it.

TimeToShine

Would you not actually look at the place before you decide?

You sound like a woman who has her mind made up regardless of what advice she's given.

andreac

mummymoo wrote: »

its not been extended tho as ive said its one bedroom that has been divided to make it a 2 bedroom because the people that lived before me had another child, so it was originally given as a council house for a family with 1 child, i will have 3! ive also been told that the down stairs kitchen living area is all open plan, im concerned about our sanity lol i have told the council that i am expecting but i dont know if they have taken note of it, i dont even know if im alowed to see the house? and also i DONT get everything handed to me because some people seem to think i do just because ive been offered a house, i barely get by with what i have, im very lucky to be offered a council house

I thought it was a 2 bed turned into a 3 bed though? Thats what you said in your first post?

TimeToShine

andreac wrote: »

I thought it was a 2 bed turned into a 3 bed though? Thats what you said in your first post?

She means the second of the two bedrooms was divided into two bedrooms.

fussyonion

The OP obviously can't see the valid points everyone's making, so I reckon she should turn down the council house and let the council give it to someone who will actually appreciate it.

andreac

TimeToShine wrote: »

She means the second of the two bedrooms was divided into two bedrooms.

Ok, i see what you mean now.

alias no.9

mummymoo wrote: »

its not been extended tho as ive said its one bedroom that has been divided to make it a 2 bedroom because the people that lived before me had another child, so it was originally given as a council house for a family with 1 child, i will have 3! ive also been told that the down stairs kitchen living area is all open plan, im concerned about our sanity lol i have told the council that i am expecting but i dont know if they have taken note of it, i dont even know if im alowed to see the house? and also i DONT get everything handed to me because some people seem to think i do just because ive been offered a house, i barely get by with what i have, im very lucky to be offered a council house

What makes you think there has to be separate bedroom for every child or that the house was originally for a family with one child? The subdivision may have been due to having children of different gender rather than just having 2 children and the fact that it was possible suggests that it was a fairly substantial room in the first place.
Security of tenure is far more important than children not sharing a room. I shared a room as a kid, I have 3 boys under 6 sharing a room right now even though they could each have their own room because it's fantastic for their social interaction.
Refusing the council house is very risky for reasons already outlined, take it and you can still make your case for something bigger without ever having to accept anything worse or having a move forced upon you and your family at the landlords whim or misfortune.

The_Morrigan

fussyonion wrote: »

The OP obviously can't see the valid points everyone's making, so I reckon she should turn down the council house and let the council give it to someone who will actually appreciate it.

Can you stop taking potshots at the OP, she came here for advice, not judgment.

smelly sock

mummymoo wrote: »

its not been extended tho as ive said its one bedroom that has been divided to make it a 2 bedroom because the people that lived before me had another child, so it was originally given as a council house for a family with 1 child, i will have 3! ive also been told that the down stairs kitchen living area is all open plan, im concerned about our sanity lol i have told the council that i am expecting but i dont know if they have taken note of it, i dont even know if im alowed to see the house? and also i DONT get everything handed to me because some people seem to think i do just because ive been offered a house, i barely get by with what i have, im very lucky to be offered a council house

I would take it anyway. As you have said your very luvky and it sounds more than adequate and will ofer stability to the kids and yourself. What does your husband or partner think?

TheBlock

I've a mortgaged house that was originally 2 bed now turned into a three bed and I've three kids. They don't all require a seperate bedroom,infact the benifits of them sharing are substantial in their development.
I grew up in a two bed ex council, 2 up 2 down, 6 kids in one bedroom. God those were great days and me and my siblings never had any issues we were glad of the company and warmt

If I where in your position I'd be looking at stabilty as the number one priority not number of rooms or room size.

Cork Lass

I don't normally read the A&P threads but am a bit bored today so I'm spending a bit more time on Boards than I normally do. I have to say I am shocked at some of the nasty responses to the OP. I'd hate to come here looking for advice if some of these responses are anything to go by - and I'm a regular on After Hours so not easily shocked. Chill out guys and play nice

Grandpa Hassan

Cork Lass wrote: »

I don't normally read the A&P threads but am a bit bored today so I'm spending a bit more time on Boards than I normally do. I have to say I am shocked at some of the nasty responses to the OP. I'd hate to come here looking for advice if some of these responses are anything to go by - and I'm a regular on After Hours so not easily shocked. Chill out guys and play nice

I think that is just evidence of the frustration out there from people who are struggling to pay mortgages / rent with no job security and falling real wages and seeing someone who has been offered a council house actually considering turning it down. I have some sympathy with that view, tbh, and I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised at the responses

mummymoo

my children are currently sharing a room and they love it, i was a month ago about to move into a 2 bed flat with no rent allowance either, but i knew i would be able to move after a year, but moving into a council house is different you stuck there then, also you wouldnt buy a house as small as that if you had 3 children and if you did you would be looking to move again when they are a bit older, anyway thank you to the people that were helpful with their replies

Cork Lass

Grandpa Hassan wrote: »

I think that is just evidence of the frustration out there from people who are struggling to pay mortgages / rent with no job security and falling real wages and seeing someone who has been offered a council house actually considering turning it down. I have some sympathy with that view, tbh, and I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised at the responses

I fully understand and sympathize with that but the OP was just looking for advice – not to be ridiculed because of other people’s opinions. From reading the post I imagine that if the OP had received the offer a few weeks ago then she would have been delighted and there would be no dilemma or choice. She’s found a lovely house and just wants to make the right choice – aren't we all entitled to be a bit unsure in situations like this?

Ray Palmer

mummymoo wrote: »

my children are currently sharing a room and they love it, i was a month ago about to move into a 2 bed flat with no rent allowance either, but i knew i would be able to move after a year, but moving into a council house is different you stuck there then, also you wouldnt buy a house as small as that if you had 3 children and if you did you would be looking to move again when they are a bit older, anyway thank you to the people that were helpful with their replies

Sorry to burst your bubble but many people live within the means they have. That means if they can only afford a 3 bed house that is what they get.

You haven't been in the house so not sure how small you think it is. If it is a council built place the front master bed room was very big and easily converted into two rooms. What people used to do was move into the smaller room and let their kids stay in the big room. My grandparents lived in one with their 3 daughters and a lodger.

Security for your family would suggest you take the council house personal desires say stay on RA and take your risks. As an adult looking out for her family the answer should be very clear.

You will only need a single bed so there appears to be plenty of room in the house.

ComputerKing

Op if you refuse the house you should be taken off the waiting list and have your rent allowance withdrawn. Its time you got off the gravy train there are thousands of people who work everyday to keep there houses are support their families and there you are thinking that that you should deserve a bigger council house free because you want one. Get over yourself maybe of you worked for once you might realise that not everyone lives off hand outs some of us actually get up every morning and do hard work to get money and buy or rent our houses.

Cork Lass

ComputerKing wrote: »

Op if you refuse the house you should be taken off the waiting list and have your rent allowance withdrawn. Its time you got off the gravy train there are thousands of people who work everyday to keep there houses are support their families and there you are thinking that that you should deserve a bigger council house free because you want one. Get over yourself maybe of you worked for once you might realise that not everyone lives off hand outs some of us actually get up every morning and do hard work to get money and buy or rent our houses.

Appalling response if you ask me. How can you know the OPs circumstances?

TimeToShine

The pitchforks are out

ComputerKing

Cork Lass wrote: »

Appalling response if you ask me. How can you know the OPs circumstances?

I know that the op is on rent allowance and has been offered a council house which they plan to refuse as they for some reason feel entitled for us the tax pays to keep paying to support them when they may not have worked a day on their life.

Bandana boy

Two kids no job, already cannot afford to pay your own way, and going for a third ,making waves about the free house not being good enough.

I gotta believe OP is trolling the forum.

Well Played ,mention in passing that you are also an asylum seeking Muslim and you will have the trifecta of Right wing rage blowing up all over our poor forum

The_Morrigan

Right, one more nasty post about the OP and her circumstances and I will be handing out infractions.

mummymoo

i came on here for advice on the council house i am offered not to discuss my job, my family circumstances or any other payments i may or may not be getting from the social welfare, i never once mentioned weather i was single or not weather i was working or not, and never said i was receiving rent allowance i said i have payed the deposit on a house that will accept rent allowance. you dont know what situation i am in atal and its none of your business and irrelevant to my question but ye are all quick to judge!! also i mentioned that i was going to rent a house without rent allowance before i found this house that will accept rent allowance, yes i can barely afford to live as it is that is because im an honest person and not robbing the state for every penny i can scrape off them, i am concerned about my children and what is best for them not your issues with paying your mortgage, but i have gotten enough help from those who were willing to help on this post thanks

Cork Lass

mummymoo wrote: »

i came on here for advice on the council house i am offered not to discuss my job, my family circumstances or any other payments i may or may not be getting from the social welfare, i never once mentioned weather i was single or not weather i was working or not, and never said i was receiving rent allowance i said i have payed the deposit on a house that will accept rent allowance. you dont know what situation i am in atal and its none of your business and irrelevant to my question but ye are all quick to judge!! also i mentioned that i was going to rent a house without rent allowance before i found this house that will accept rent allowance, yes i can barely afford to live as it is that is because im an honest person and not robbing the state for every penny i can scrape off them, i am concerned about my children and what is best for them not your issues with paying your mortgage, but i have gotten enough help from those who were willing to help on this post thanks

Good luck to you mummymoo, I hope things work out for you. Don't let the begrudgers get you down.

smelly sock

BTW I am sorry for my initial reaction and some of the comments but it's hard to stomach when you here someone complain about the free house they are getting offered when I myself am saddled with a mortgage etc.

As I said best of luck.

Ray Palmer

mummymoo wrote: »

i came on here for advice on the council house i am offered not to discuss my job, my family circumstances or any other payments i may or may not be getting from the social welfare, i never once mentioned weather i was single or not weather i was working or not, and never said i was receiving rent allowance i said i have payed the deposit on a house that will accept rent allowance. you dont know what situation i am in atal and its none of your business and irrelevant to my question but ye are all quick to judge!! also i mentioned that i was going to rent a house without rent allowance before i found this house that will accept rent allowance, yes i can barely afford to live as it is that is because im an honest person and not robbing the state for every penny i can scrape off them, i am concerned about my children and what is best for them not your issues with paying your mortgage, but i have gotten enough help from those who were willing to help on this post thanks

You came on her making statements about your expectations on what property you would get from the state. You mentioned your personal circumstances as it would explain why you are not happy to accept what is being offered. That is going to warrant questions and you are on a public forum so people asked.
Saying you have 2 children and another coming does warrant questions about who is also contributing to the children's welfare and why the state is and should be housing you.

Some comments were nasty but you also have to understand how frustrating your comments are to other people working for their housing.

It is akin to a very wealthy person complaining about where to put their money in many people's eyes. If you didn't consider this you are very naïve. You even made disparaging remarks yourself in suggesting people wouldn't buy a 3 bed house if they had 3 kids. To many, including myself, that is a remarkable statement void of the reality of people who pay for their own homes.

So why do you feel the state owes you a house with a bedroom each for your children when others can't afford it but are working?

That isn't a mean or nasty question but you could take offense, whether that is a reasonable response or not is a point of view but given your comments I think it is a honest one. I don't understand what your problem is and the answer in the best interests of your family seems very clear.

Cork Lass

smelly sock wrote: »

I can't really blame people who begrudge and are a little irritated that their taxes are being used to give some people a free ride in life. I'm not sure about the OP, I don't know her, but I'd like to think she will be grateful with getting something for nothing. I'd also like to think that the kids father/fathers is meeting his legal obligation and duties and not having the tax payer footing the whole bill.

Best of luck mummymoo, I really hope that you can settle down in this new place and give the kids a decent education etc.

I'm a tax payer myself and own my own home. I also have no time for those who make a living from claiming benefits but what really grated on me in relation to this thread was peoples willingness to assume that OP was a taker. No-one knew her circumstances but were willing to take a pop at her anyway - not fair.

fussyonion

I will apologise also to the OP for my harsh comments.

I suppose what some people are amazed at is that someone who's been offered a council home is considering not taking it...just that it's a bit unusual for someone to choose to continue with RA instead of taking the council home.

But I am sorry for my comments and I direct my apology at both the OP and The Morrigan.

efb

Cork Lass wrote: »

I'm a tax payer myself and own my own home. I also have no time for those who make a living from claiming benefits but what really grated on me in relation to this thread was peoples willingness to assume that OP was a taker. No-one knew her circumstances but were willing to take a pop at her anyway - not fair.

That's the internet