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Harry T
15th July 2015, 07:59
I was watching a Tv program on Monday night. It highlighted three people but I wanted to focus on just two similar Families, it's called How to get a Council House and covers Portsmouth, both families already live in existing Social Housing, and were top priority (Health Reasons) for a 4 Bedroom Property.

The one family are a couple who have children, and have the Guy's Terminally Ill Dad living with them due to his Health issues, the Dad has his own Council flat, but cant live there due to his health problems, so he was staying with his son and sleeping on the living room sofa.

The other couple had a disabled daughter who could not be moved easily due to an incurable illness which required her to be on some kind Oxygen breathing apparatus.

They both needed and were waiting for a 4 bedroom property, which could be adapted so that one downstairs room could be used either as a Bathroom or/and a Bedroom. There are very few 4 bedroom Social Housing properties in Portsmouth which is understandable as i would think this is not the norm, and usually 2/3 bedroom properties are the norm in most areas.

The first couple who had the parent living with them did not get offered an available property which had become available, the second couple with the Disabled Daughter did get offered a property which had become available, not only that but the Council had drawn up plans to build a wetroom downstairs at a cost of £35,000 to make the House even more suitable for the Disabled Daughter.

I guess most of you who are reading this are thinking what's my point. Well here it is:

The first family with the Terminally ill parent were British, the second family are Polish, In my Opinion anyone who moves to this Country should NEVER be offered Social Housing because at some point they have made themselves homeless by coming to this country in the first place, and they always have the opportunity to move back to where they have come from and usually have family there to help them. The British family were born and bred here, rely on Social Housing, and were trying to make the best of a poor situation by helping their Terminally ill parent out during his last days.

I know I'm on my soapbox again, but is it any wonder why people are saying enough is enough when it comes to immigration to this country, I'm 63 worked all my life don't have my own house due to divorce, and NO I can't get a Council property I'm expected to rent privately. When I read stories like this it really makes my blood boil, Social Housing should be for people born and bred here, not for immigrants whatever their nationality. :cwm23:

Maybe I should consider moving to Poland their must be plenty of empty Houses there as most Poles seem to have moved to the UK :biggrin: or maybe I wouldn't get the same Benefits there that Polish immigrants get here :smile:.

Slip
15th July 2015, 08:35
Didn't see the programme as I am currently in Finland, but from what you wrote I quite agree.
If you choose to live in this country, you should not be able to get certain benefits... Housing being one them, not in front of somebody that has lived here all their life.

Trefor
15th July 2015, 09:17
I refuse to watch these kinds of TV shows as they raise my blood pressure.

grahamw48
15th July 2015, 10:06
I'm also 63.

In 2011 I decided to put my name down on the social housing waiting list....thinking I'd be waiting 20 years of course, but nothing ventured nothing gained. This type of housing is like rocking horse do do's in York.

In February this year I was shocked to be offered an OAP type council bungalow on the edge of a pleasant estate in a village in North Yorkshire.

Not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth :biggrin:...here I am.

I've just finished carpeting the whole place out.

I feel very very lucky. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Michael Parnham
15th July 2015, 11:23
I agree with what Harry has pointed out and thanks for that Harry. Also, well done to you Graham you are very fortunate to be dealt with so quickly, enjoy! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Longweekend
15th July 2015, 12:34
Yes I also watched it, got to feel sorry for the little girl with her illness but why should we have to house them and build extensions for them. In a way you can't blame them, they were living in Poland in whatever type of property, they arrive here the wife receives carers allowance, 3 x lots of child benefit a 4 x bedroom house, not too shabby is it.....:mad:

grahamw48
15th July 2015, 12:42
It's going to be interesting in another year or two when I put in for a larger OAP property on account of my expanding family. :icon_lol:

Longweekend
15th July 2015, 13:05
Go for it...:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Dedworth
15th July 2015, 13:25
Yes I also watched it, got to feel sorry for the little girl with her illness but why should we have to house them and build extensions for them. In a way you can't blame them, they were living in Poland in whatever type of property, they arrive here the wife receives carers allowance, 3 x lots of child benefit a 4 x bedroom house, not too shabby is it.....:mad:

Pass the puke bucket :cwm23:

fred
15th July 2015, 14:43
Graham.. You deserve it.. Good for you. Enjoy!
When people say "Carpet laying" I always get reminded of this...For some reason.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI7vSYKp8vI

grahamw48
15th July 2015, 15:27
Graham.. You deserve it.. Good for you. Enjoy!
When people say "Carpet laying" I always get reminded of this...For some reason.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI7vSYKp8vI

Thanks Fred. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Haha...hilarious video.:icon_lol:

You know, I'm one of those people who hates pàying others to do what I can (hopefully) do for myself.

So anyway, this bungalow is lovely...can't fault it, but came with bare floorboards throughout.

Last week I spotted some surplus carpet tiles for sale (well over 100)...top quality ones, used for offices etc.
I got them delivered, and I've spent the past 3 or 4 days fitting them to lounge, kitchen, hallway and bedroom.

Looks like a comfortably furnished office suite now, but cost me only 60 quid including delivery , for the lot . :biggrin:

stevewool
15th July 2015, 17:12
I try not to watch programs like the one you mentioned, all they are doing is making people realize what a poo poo place this is for the people who have lived here and worked all their life to make ends meet.
I am not your age yet but close, and the divorce cost me a few bob too.
I am not expecting anything from England to help me now or in my old age, its down to me to do that,

Michael Parnham
15th July 2015, 17:14
Graham.. You deserve it.. Good for you. Enjoy!
When people say "Carpet laying" I always get reminded of this...For some reason.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI7vSYKp8vI

What a great funny video Fred! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Ako Si Jamie
15th July 2015, 19:19
Yup. People that are born and bred here should be automatically elevated above these immigrants when it comes to social housing. No exceptions.

I got my flat over a decade ago after only being on the list for six weeks or so which was fortunate. I just split from my missus and needed a place. I got offered a flat with double glazing & central heating in a decent area for half the price I would pay if I rented privately. No brainer really and definitely no regrets.

Ako Si Jamie
15th July 2015, 19:26
Oh....and here's some rep Harry to bring up your fifty. :xxgrinning--00xx3: