Young Couple on £29k Annual Income Considers Council Flat Application
A couple with a combined income of £29,000 per year is questioning whether they might qualify for a council property, as they face increasing pressure to find their own living space. The pair, aged 19 and 18, have been residing with family members but have recently been asked to move out soon, prompting them to look into social housing options.
Housing Dilemma and Health Concerns
In a detailed Reddit post, the couple explained their situation. The 19-year-old works full-time, earning £23,000 annually, while his 18-year-old girlfriend works part-time, bringing in £6,000 per year. They currently live on a council estate, but her mother has indicated there is insufficient room for her and her sisters, and his mother wants him to move out as well.
The girlfriend also experiences mild scoliosis, which causes back pain and mental health struggles, making the need for their own space more urgent. The couple has been contemplating applying for a one-bedroom council flat to address these challenges.
Community Responses and Realistic Expectations
Other Reddit users offered varied perspectives on the likelihood of securing council housing. One commenter noted, "You're entitled to apply, but you'd be waiting a long time." Another emphasized that since they are not currently homeless, they might not be considered a high priority, stating, "You can’t make yourselves homeless, so whilst you are at your mum's then you are adequately housed and not a priority."
A third person suggested that if the girlfriend transitions to full-time work, they could afford to rent privately while saving for a deposit. However, many highlighted the lengthy waiting times for social housing, even for those in higher priority bands.
Insights into Social Housing Challenges
One user provided a comprehensive overview of the social housing landscape, explaining that only individuals in Band One—such as those who are homeless, facing domestic violence, or with serious disabilities—tend to get housed relatively quickly, often waiting six to 24 months. In many areas, even these priority cases can wait years or decades.
The commenter added, "Many people never get accommodation and have to go private, and even homeless people can end up stuck in hotel rooms or shared housing for years." They advised that private renting might be a better short-term option, offering more control over location and property condition, but warned that refusing multiple council property offers could lead to removal from the housing list.
Alternative Solutions and Broader Context
Another response shared a personal anecdote about a single mother working as a carer who was advised to rent privately, doubting the couple's chances of securing a council property soon. They recommended applying for housing benefits and consulting Citizens Advice for guidance, noting that housing benefits could assist with private rent payments.
This situation underscores the broader housing crisis, where even employed individuals struggle to find affordable and suitable accommodation. The couple's story reflects the difficult choices many face in balancing income, health needs, and housing availability in today's market.
