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  • The US Sun

    I’m a mum & leaving my council house to rent privately – people say I’m stupid but my kids should grow up in a nice area

    By Leanne Hall,

    5 days ago

    A MUM has revealed why she has given up her council house to rent privately.

    Paige Newman, from Manchester, took to social media explaining her controversial decision to move into a home that was more than double her rent costs.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1XCkDG_0uyiEEzF00
    Mum-of-two Paige revealed why she left her council house for private renting Credit: tiktok/@paigenewman5_
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2YhP4c_0uyiEEzF00
    Despite it costing lots more, she said she was much happier with her new house Credit: tiktok/@paigenewman5_

    The mum, who has a daughter, Peighton, and is currently six months pregnant, revealed there was so many issues with her council house.

    Paige, who is a hairstylist, showed viewers around her new private rented home which included three bedrooms and a massive garden.

    She explained: "I'm moving from a council house to a private rented house.

    "And a lot of people will say that I'm stupid for giving up a council house, but needs must."

    Her previous house had just two bedrooms and she said it was already overcrowded so the problem would just get worse when her second child arrives.

    Now she is expected to pay £1,200 a month for her new home, which she claimed was over double the rent of her council house but so worth it.

    Paige revealed she was placed over 30 minutes away form her family and friends and she was excited to be closer to them.

    Not only that, but the new area was much nicer and the mum revealed it was a 'better area for my two little girls to grow up in.'

    The mum said that she had tried to do council house swaps, but nobody wanted to swap and live in the area she was placed in.

    She also revealed the house was fully equipped with all the appliances she would need unlike a council house including a dishwasher and washing machine.

    Paige admitted that she was much happier in the new house even if it did cost more.

    The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @paigenewman5_ with over 148k views and 2,000 likes.

    People were quick to take to the comments praising the mum for doing what was right for her, and we couldn't agree more.

    One person wrote: "I'm doing this too. Looking for a private house in a quieter area with nicer neighbours. I might be mad but like you say, needs must."

    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 apply for council housing 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:

    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.

    Another commented: "Worst thing I ever did private rent they constantly put rent up never do jobs properly after 10 years of been a perfect tenant my landlord decides he’s selling so now I’m back on the council list."

    "I know how hard it is to get on the council too as I had to go into a hostel for 8 months prior to being given one and I still think my decision is the right one," Paige replied.

    "Good for you I did this when my kids were little we lived in a council estate and it was terrible so I gave it up and rented privately, I don’t regret it and would do it again," penned a third.

    Meanwhile a fourth said: "Lovely home! I gave up my council house a few years back to rent private too for similar reasons, I don't know of anyone else who has done this too until now. hope your happy in your new home."

    "I literally said the same thing last week to my sister, I hate my council place,” claimed a fifth.

    Someone else added: “You did the right thing. your happiness and kids prospects are more important plus I'm sure you'd get some housing benefit."

    Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

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