I live in a council house even though I work nearly full-time – people think I shouldn’t be entitled to it but I’m proud
A HARD-WORKING mum who lives in a council house has defended herself after she revealed that people think she shouldn’t be entitled to a home.
Beth Bellamy, who is single and a mum of two, wants to debunk the myth of people just assuming that those who live in a council house don’t work.
The 24 year old took to TikTok to share her thoughts, and her videos have since gone viral with one of them nearly hitting one million views.
Beth, who is mum to Alfie, four, and Maisie, two, posted a video of herself cooking for her family whilst giving a personal insight into her family life.
She says: “People always assume that people who work shouldn’t be entitled to a council house.
“But I live in a council house, pay for all my bills and work near enough full time.”
Now, the mum wants to raise awareness and “break the stigma around council houses and people who live in them.”
Beth, who lives in a two bedroom new build house, regularly posts videos of her life updates to her TikTok page called ‘Mum and the little ones.’
She has managed to gain over 10k followers, as many wish to support Beth on her journey and do so by commenting on her videos.
One wrote: “I give you credit, I know it’s hard, but you still make the effort and that’s good.”
Another added: “Well done lovely, sounds like you are doing a grand job.”
Many were proud of the example she was setting to her children, with one saying: “Great example to your kids you do amazing.”
“Well done, you’re a credit to your children, keep doing what you’re doing, you are the best example to your children,” another added.
“Well done, young kids, work washing, cleaning house work, no sleep, well done young lady, be proud of yourself,” someone else said.
People always assume that people who work shouldn’t be entitled to a council house
Beth Bellamy
Others commented and said they have also found themselves to be in the same position, by writing: “My partner and I both work and live in a council flat with our children. People are so quick to judge!”
Another added: “Don’t have to justify yourself, keep it up and keep winning.”
Beth previously revealed in another video how she is “living proof” that peoples assumptions are wrong.
She said: “I live in a council house but don’t work, but that’s what people just assume when people say they live in a council house.
“It honestly winds me up so much, but I can literally be living proof that is wrong.”
Beth, who pays for everything herself, got her council house whilst working full time in hospitality and hopes to work her way up to a management position.
The mum revealed that she was working part-time after having her first child, which meant that she couldn’t afford private rent, so instead went to her local council.
They quickly put her on the list for social housing, after starting the council house process in March and was given her home in December that year.
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.
Beth added: “So I got a house when my child was, I say six months old, which is just amazing.
“Like so many people don’t get their houses that quick and I was so lucky, and I also got a new build.
“How amazing is that and I’m so truly grateful for that.”