I’m a mum who’s trolled for my messy council house – it looks like a bomb’s hit it, people call us ‘benefits scroungers’
A MUM has been brutally trolled after sharing the messy aftermath of ”COVID and a birthday” in her council home.
Nicole Austin, from the UK, took to TikTok to show the reality of what living in a cramped two-bedroom council house with four children can get like.
The mum-of-four previously explained that mental health problems had gotten in the way of keeping it tidy.
Despite bravely opening up about her struggles, the ”relatable” mother recently faced criticism after sharing a little glimpse of the messy state of the family’s home.
The now-viral video saw the dark-haired beauty admit that their council property ”has been so neglected again”, before she showed what the rooms looked like.
As she was filming their home, Nicole added that she was already prepared ”for the hate comments” fly their way, including threats to contact ”social services”.
As well as having piles of laundry scattered around the floor, there were also bags and some toys by the staircase.
Meanwhile, the family’s bathroom had dirt and blue stains on some of the furniture, as well as a laundry basket that was tipped upside down.
One of the bedrooms, where there was also a white cot, had dozens of garments all over the place, accompanied by plastic hangers on the floor.
The bed, she showed in the video, hadn’t been done – and it didn’t look much better in the kids’ bedroom which had a white duvet sitting on the grey carpet.
”This is the aftermath of a sleepover with loads of kids and then us all having COVID,” said Nicole, who’s been called ”benefits scrounger”.
”We really struggle to stay on top of the mess.”
Nicole, who shares the home with her partner Sam, added that the family was looking to do their house up ”and get loads of storage”.
However, due to the ”low income”, they’re finding it challenging.
”We’re currently on Universal Credit. My husband does work full-time but with the cost-of-living crisis, the money doesn’t stretch too far.”
Originally, this was the main reason the mum joined TikTok where she hoped the viewers’ engagement would essentially give them ”some money” to revamp the home a little.
Although they have ”come far since then”, there have been ”a few setbacks”, including Nicole’s ”panic disorder, anxiety and much more”.
”I started Sertraline [a type of antidepressant] three weeks ago and the side effects have been real – and then we got thrown with COVID too.”
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:
- 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.
This, she said, threw the family ”back to square one” after all the progress they’d made.
”Downstairs, we’ve kept on top of – but upstairs looks like a bomb’s hit,” said the mother-of-four who held herself ”accountable” and promised to tackle the mess.
She went on in the caption: ”But let’s be honest, it happens and sometimes we have to prioritise other things.”
There really is no excuse for this
Critic
Since being posted on the platform, the clip has gone viral, winning the mum a staggering 1.4million views – and numerous negative comments.
One said: ”Gonna be honest that’s been left like that longer than a week.”
Another remarked: ”I could never sleep knowing my house is this messy.”
Someone else advised: ”There really is no excuse for this, tidy as you go daily it will make ur life a lot easier!”
”You don’t need financial help to keep it clean,” a fourth wrote.
”Just keep on top of things. Money doesn’t bring you happiness memories do.”
After being slammed for the mess and people suggesting to get rid of some of the clothing, Nicole explained it wasn’t as easy.
”I have a toddler who goes through multiple outfits daily, 3 other children under 8 and then 2 adults. There’s a lot of clothes.”
Luckily, there were also those who were more understanding of her situation and urged others to be kinder.
One person hit back at the critics, writing: ”All the haters should imagine have 4 children in 1 small space.
”Of course there will be mess! Not everyone can be clean freaks.”
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