A YOUNG woman has hit back at trolls who make assumptions about those living in council properties.
Ashlan Hindle, a mum-of-one from the UK, explained that people assume she is a ‘benefit scrounger’, but in fact, she and her partner both have jobs.
A mother has clapped back at trolls who have stigmatised those living in council properties[/caption]
Ashlan Hindle explained that she does pay rent, is clean, does work, and doesn’t get anything for free[/caption]
She claimed that she pays her taxes and isn’t a nuisance to her neighbours[/caption]
Social media users were keen to support Ashlan and praise her ‘beautiful’ home[/caption]
Not only this, but the content creator claimed that trolls will call her lazy, work shy and uneducated, but she is keen to set the record straight.
Posting on social media, Ashlan, who lives in a spacious three-bed council house, shared a short clip ‘breaking down the stigmas, one day at a time.’
As she showed off her stunning, modern-looking home, which has a stylish white kitchen, large garden and spacious bedrooms, Ashlan highlighted the ‘stigmas’ associated with those living in council houses.
She said: “I live in a council house but I’m not a single mum.
“I live in a council house and we both work.
“I live in a council house and I’m not a nuisance to my neighbours.
“I live in a council house and I pay my taxes.
“I live in a council house and I’m a clean person.
“I live in a council house and I look after my house.”
Not only this, but Ashlan claimed that whilst many may assume that those living in council properties get them for free, she added: “I live in a council house, I pay rent.
“I live in a council house and my rent is still £745 per month.
“I live in a council house and I’m very well educated.”
No, I don’t get anything for nothing
Ashlan Hindle
Keen to break down the negative stereotypes, Ashlan continued: “So no, I’m not work shy, no I’m not lazy, no I’m not uneducated, no I’m not a ‘benefit scrounger’ and no, I’m not lacking aspiration.
“And finally, no, I don’t get anything for nothing.
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.
“I hope this breaks down a few stigmas surrounding council housing, because council housing is for everybody.
“If you are in need, you can ring your council and you can apply, so not everybody is the same.”
SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ashlan_hindle, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it was shared just one day ago but has quickly amassed 36,000 views.
Just because you live on a council estate doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful home
TikTok user
Social media users were impressed with Ashlan’s clip and were keen to share their thoughts on her ‘beautiful’ home in the comments.
One person said: “It’s not a council house it’s your home babe, who cares who or where you rent from, it’s beautiful.”
What It’s Really Like Growing Up On A Council Estate
Fabulous reporter, Leanne Hall, recalls what it’s like growing up in social housing.
As someone who grew up in a block of flats on a council estate, there are many wild stories I could tell.
From seeing a neighbour throw dog poo at the caretaker for asking them to mow their lawn (best believe they ended up on the Jeremy Kyle show later in life) to blazing rows over packages going missing, I’ve seen it all.
While there were many times things kicked off, I really do believe most of the time it’s because families living on council estates get to know each other so well, they forget they’re neighbours and not family.
Yes, things can go from zero to 100 quickly, but you know no matter what you can rely on your neighbour to borrow some milk or watch all of the kids playing outside.
And if you ask me, it’s much nicer being in a tight community where boundaries can get crossed than never even knowing your neighbour’s name while living on a fancy street.
Another added: “Just because you live on a council estate doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful home.
“I’ve lived on a council estate for 60 years, your home is beautiful.”
A third commented: “I live in a council house, and I work full time. There should be no stigma attached.”
To this, Ashlan replied and claimed: “There shouldn’t but there is because of a small bunch of people.”
