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Mum struggles on housing list
8:50am Monday 18th February 2008
Comments (96)
By Janaki Mahadevan »
Nearly 1,000 families in Borehamwood are on Hertsmere Borough Council's housing waiting list.
Echoing problems with housing shortages across the south east of England, Hertsmere has a total of 1,383 individuals or families waiting for accommodation.The council has said it is "doing what it can" to address the issue.
Selena Hovell, 26, of Studio Way, and her six-month-old daughter Sophie are currently living in a three-bedroom house with five other members of Ms Hovell's family, despite being placed on the housing list in November 2005.
She said: "I have been down to the council nearly every day bugging them to let me know what is going on, it is ridiculous. "It is a dreadful situation. Even my sister and her baby are having to cope in a box room.
"The authority does not own any housing but can nominate people for empty properties owned by the borough's two housing associations - William Sutton and Aldwyck.
A points system is used to assess the needs of each person on the register. Points are awarded depending on a person's circumstances, such as being disabled, having long-term illness or living with young children.
Ms Hovell, who lives with her mother, father, 17-year-old brother, 22-year-old sister and 10-month-old niece, sleeps on the living room floor with Sophie in a buggy beside her.
Ms Hovell also suffers from post-natal depression and had to give up her job as a care assistant after having her baby.She said: "Sophie is nearly seven months old.
When I found out that I was pregnant, I spoke to the council again to let them know my circumstances had changed, so that I would get more points.""I had to show them proof from the hospital and they said they would ring me back. "I didn't hear from them for weeks. When I called them I found out they had lost my paperwork. I was told they would keep me informed, but they didn't."My doctor has also written to the council saying I am on anti-depressants. I am very angry. When the council say it will call me back it should do it rather than leaving it to me to constantly chase it."
A council spokeswoman said each person on the list has their case reviewed regularly and is then updated with their progress.Maggie Benson, the authority's interim housing register manager, said: "It's inappropriate for us to comment on individual cases. We offer appropriate advice to those on our housing register and review their circumstances regularly."We recognise there is a housing need and are doing what we can to address the issue.
"In December 2006, the Audit Commission, an independent body which regulates local government, rated Hertsmere's housing services as "fair", with "promising" prospects for improvement.
The commission rates local authorities on a scale from zero to three stars. Hertsmere received one star. The report said the council was delivering creditable levels of new affordable homes and was committed to preventing homelessness.Among those who cannot apply for social housing are asylum seekers and people who have moved to Britain from abroad.
Your Say Your Times
katie dowdall, borehamwood says...
10:22am Fri 15 Feb 08
get a grip jack u sad moronic little man. people have something called sex and then they have babies.are you trying to say that you have to have a 30,000 a year job before you have a child. dont talk rubbish. i take it you dont have children of your own. if you do i feel sorry for them if these are the types of beliefs that you have. i went to school with selena and as far as i know she has always worked since we left school.if every man was an idiot like you then nobody would want to have babies and we could all live in your sexist, ignorant,pig headed, sad, bitter and twisted little world.Get a life
martin, b/wood says...
10:57am Fri 15 Feb 08
Jack you have never had sex then let alone a relationship, you are sad you live in a dream world, the same world that the idiots live in that want to switch of street lights in shenley. Get a grip on reality two people had sex both made a mistake and niether used protection, result a baby so jack do you understand how baby arrive now, or are you still at the stalk stage??
k, borehamwood says...
11:18am Fri 15 Feb 08
Jack not all young people have babies to get free housing i am a couple of years younger than selena i have 3 children and live in a HA property but i dont get free housing and how can you say selina had a baby for free housing as she was working if you had read the story properly you would know this.
Jo, ENGLAND says...
11:39am Fri 15 Feb 08
ive never known a Council talk such Crap. I lived in Borehamwood all my life, had 3 children, when the time came for them to leave home, could they get a council property, get real, no we are the wrong nationality, my daughter had a baby, and lived with us for 2yrs, council would not help, so we had no alternative but to move out of Borehamwood, guess who moved into my old house, of course Asylim seekers, so Selena Good Luck Girl, you might get lucky and get a home in 2010.
Julie, Borehamwood says...
12:24pm Fri 15 Feb 08
But why do people expect other people to help them? Councils, HA, parents?
Doesn't anyone take responsibility for themselves any more. Why have a child when you don't have adequate housing. It's not fair on the child, and why not seek private tenanted housing if you can't afford a mortgage.
Doesn't anyone take responsibility for themselves any more. Why have a child when you don't have adequate housing. It's not fair on the child, and why not seek private tenanted housing if you can't afford a mortgage.
k, borehamwood says...
2:35pm Fri 15 Feb 08
julie just as an example i pay £100 a week rent for my 2 bed flat to rent a flat the same as mine private would cost me at least £200 a week you tell me why people on low incomes dont go for a mortgage or private rent.
jack, Borehamwood says...
2:50pm Fri 15 Feb 08
K, and who makes up the 100GBP shortfall?
julie, Borehamwood says...
3:34pm Fri 15 Feb 08
There's housing benefit plus council tax benefit for the lower paid on private rental properties. Plus there's always the option of taking on an extra job to make ends meet. My daughter's got a day job and evening job just to survive but would not dream of asking to live with me or asking for council accomodation.
julie, Borehamwood says...
3:37pm Fri 15 Feb 08
There's housing benefit and council tax benefit available to the lower paid.
There's always the option of taking on an extra job, like my daughter who has a full time day job and an evening job to make ends meet, but would never dream of asking to come home to live or council accomodation. I doubt she'd have a baby before being able to provide for it either. That is the reason for working 18 hour days.
There's always the option of taking on an extra job, like my daughter who has a full time day job and an evening job to make ends meet, but would never dream of asking to come home to live or council accomodation. I doubt she'd have a baby before being able to provide for it either. That is the reason for working 18 hour days.
k, borehamwood says...
3:56pm Fri 15 Feb 08
what £100 shortfall who says that my HA is charging me less than what is the right price for the flat i live in the private landlord might be charging £100 more than it should be.
if i remember rightly from one of your previous posts you said that your parents had a council house if this is so why are you on your high horse you have got yourself your own house well done why does this give you the right to slag off people that dont have what you have in life.
as a tax payer myself i would rather money went on housing local people than it housing people that turn up on the council's doorstep not being able to speak a word of english and getting housed and all the other things they get handed on a plate.
if i remember rightly from one of your previous posts you said that your parents had a council house if this is so why are you on your high horse you have got yourself your own house well done why does this give you the right to slag off people that dont have what you have in life.
as a tax payer myself i would rather money went on housing local people than it housing people that turn up on the council's doorstep not being able to speak a word of english and getting housed and all the other things they get handed on a plate.
julie, borehamwood says...
4:02pm Fri 15 Feb 08
Wrong Julie, I'm afraid. My parents passed away many years ago and did not have council property.
No, it's not slagging off. That's another problem. People take offence when they're advised to do something about their situation themselves. I too would prefer money to be spent on housing local people rather than those not speaking English, true enough, but I was only commenting upon the culture that expects things for nothing. Having a council home or HA home is not a right.
No, it's not slagging off. That's another problem. People take offence when they're advised to do something about their situation themselves. I too would prefer money to be spent on housing local people rather than those not speaking English, true enough, but I was only commenting upon the culture that expects things for nothing. Having a council home or HA home is not a right.
k, borehamwood says...
4:04pm Fri 15 Feb 08
but the thing is i dont have to ask for council tax or housing benifit because i can afford the rent that the HA charges me so there you go i have saved the tax payers money and as for your daughter not dreaming of asking you to live with you when do you stop being a parent 18? 21?
i have a daughter and 2 sons and they are more than welcome to live with me as long as they need to and when they do leave my home i would hope i would be the first person they came to whatever age they were
i have a daughter and 2 sons and they are more than welcome to live with me as long as they need to and when they do leave my home i would hope i would be the first person they came to whatever age they were
k, borehamwood says...
4:08pm Fri 15 Feb 08
julie wrote:i was saying this to jack not julie sorry should of made myself clear
Wrong Julie, I\'m afraid. My parents passed away many years ago and did not have council property. No, it\'s not slagging off. That\'s another problem. People take offence when they\'re advised to do something about their situation themselves. I too would prefer money to be spent on housing local people rather than those not speaking English, true enough, but I was only commenting upon the culture that expects things for nothing. Having a council home or HA home is not a right.
julie, Borehamwood says...
4:19pm Fri 15 Feb 08
k, borehamwood, no problem!
Actually my comments weren't aimed at you either. Fine, you can afford your HA property.I have no problem whatsoever with that. I was trying to get across the fact that there are other options to people who seem to expect to be given things.
My children have pride that they would not ask me for anything. I'll always be there for them and support them, you don't stop being a parent after all, but once they've left home they've left home and there's no coming back. That way there's no snap decisions made. They have to be able to stand on their own two feet and cope without us before deciding to leave. Any comments were not aimed at you in any way whatsoever, just comments in regard to the title and content of the piece.
Actually my comments weren't aimed at you either. Fine, you can afford your HA property.I have no problem whatsoever with that. I was trying to get across the fact that there are other options to people who seem to expect to be given things.
My children have pride that they would not ask me for anything. I'll always be there for them and support them, you don't stop being a parent after all, but once they've left home they've left home and there's no coming back. That way there's no snap decisions made. They have to be able to stand on their own two feet and cope without us before deciding to leave. Any comments were not aimed at you in any way whatsoever, just comments in regard to the title and content of the piece.
jack, Borehamwood says...
4:19pm Fri 15 Feb 08
If the HA charge 100 and the private market charges 200, then you can assume that the HA is charging a reduced rate.
i am not slagging off people who live in council housing. I had a grandparent who lived in a council house for various medical reasons. however, their children never lived in council housing.
what i am oppossed to is the fact that people like this mother assume they have a right to free or cheap housing, and no duty to pay council tax.
there should be council housing available to house the elderly and the sick. everyone else should work and pay their way.
The first thing that needs to be changed is mindsets. you should not expect to be housed. you should expect to work and pay your way or live in the street unless you are elderly or sick.
you would see immigration plummet and you would also see single mothers and teenage pregnancies plumment. the trouble is, over the years, the people who would have historically been sitting in the gutter, begging have become used to being given houses, benefits of all manners whenever they have put their hands out.
tax payers money should be spent on improving the overall country for the benefit of tax payers. not just taken from one pocket to be given to someone else who doesn't work because he can't read because he bunked off school to smoke with his pals.
i am not slagging off people who live in council housing. I had a grandparent who lived in a council house for various medical reasons. however, their children never lived in council housing.
what i am oppossed to is the fact that people like this mother assume they have a right to free or cheap housing, and no duty to pay council tax.
there should be council housing available to house the elderly and the sick. everyone else should work and pay their way.
The first thing that needs to be changed is mindsets. you should not expect to be housed. you should expect to work and pay your way or live in the street unless you are elderly or sick.
you would see immigration plummet and you would also see single mothers and teenage pregnancies plumment. the trouble is, over the years, the people who would have historically been sitting in the gutter, begging have become used to being given houses, benefits of all manners whenever they have put their hands out.
tax payers money should be spent on improving the overall country for the benefit of tax payers. not just taken from one pocket to be given to someone else who doesn't work because he can't read because he bunked off school to smoke with his pals.
k, borehamwood says...
4:48pm Fri 15 Feb 08
i think she should be housed or have help to find something you dont know the reasons to why she is a single mum so you shouldn't judge she might be able to go back to work soon and as a single mum i will take a guess and say she wouldn't be able to make enough money to privatly rent so would it not make sense to house her where she will be able to pay her way
also we will see immigration plummet if they wern't handed everything on a plate
also we will see immigration plummet if they wern't handed everything on a plate
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
9:34pm Fri 15 Feb 08
Goodluck Selina. Like the article says there is a lot of people waiting for housing in this area and not enough houses even with the ammount going up. We all feel that we are the most important person on the list and want what is best for our child/ren.
Jack we all know this is something you feel very strongly about as we have been here many times before but as I have previously said you can not think the same of all people not everyone on the housing list are young or single parents who are not working. All we want is a fair size property for our family size for a decent price. My husband works and he works hard but does not earn enough to buy around here or to privatly rent. We looked into it and the housing benefit expected us and our children to live on a stupid ammount after what they would pay we would be lucky to be able to eat. Yes it is our choose to have children but we pay our taxes for everything so why shouldn't we have a little of something back and if that is way of affordable housing then so be it.
Just because Selina is a single parent now does not mean she always will sit on her bum and not pay back in taxes over the years as she previously has done.
Why does no one mention on here the fathers that have helped make these babies then disappeared and nt paying towards the upkeep or putting the rood over these children's heads surely you are not all stupid in thinking that all young ladies get themselves pregnant.
Jack we all know this is something you feel very strongly about as we have been here many times before but as I have previously said you can not think the same of all people not everyone on the housing list are young or single parents who are not working. All we want is a fair size property for our family size for a decent price. My husband works and he works hard but does not earn enough to buy around here or to privatly rent. We looked into it and the housing benefit expected us and our children to live on a stupid ammount after what they would pay we would be lucky to be able to eat. Yes it is our choose to have children but we pay our taxes for everything so why shouldn't we have a little of something back and if that is way of affordable housing then so be it.
Just because Selina is a single parent now does not mean she always will sit on her bum and not pay back in taxes over the years as she previously has done.
Why does no one mention on here the fathers that have helped make these babies then disappeared and nt paying towards the upkeep or putting the rood over these children's heads surely you are not all stupid in thinking that all young ladies get themselves pregnant.
RAY HOVELL, borehamwood says...
11:53pm Fri 15 Feb 08
I Am selena,s father
and after working all my life since leaving school at the age of 15 and payed into the tax system.We are in a shared ownership house with having 10% share as we can not also afford to buy a house in house in borehamwood.Selena has worked since leaving school at 16 as is my second daughter michelle and my son james and we our couicil tax ansd have never recieved any benifts all our working life so i think it is about time we got something back
and after working all my life since leaving school at the age of 15 and payed into the tax system.We are in a shared ownership house with having 10% share as we can not also afford to buy a house in house in borehamwood.Selena has worked since leaving school at 16 as is my second daughter michelle and my son james and we our couicil tax ansd have never recieved any benifts all our working life so i think it is about time we got something back
Jack, Borehamwood says...
12:31am Sat 16 Feb 08
Ray, I appreciate what you say, but out of interest, why did selena have a child if she had no where to live? is that really a responsible attitude, and do you think she should be handed a house (or bumped up the list) because of her irresponsible decision to have a baby when she did not have a secure home to raise it in?
annoymous, borehamwood says...
9:22am Sat 16 Feb 08
not all pregnacys are planned so it could have been un planned which then it is not her fault because she might notn have been single because the dad could have left them when she was born and did not want anything to do with the baby
Sue, Hertfordshire says...
9:54am Sat 16 Feb 08
I entirely agree with Jack - the unintelligent commments attacking him obviously come from others believing the country owes them a living - probably signing on at the tax-payers expense. I have four children of my own but before I had them made sure I had a job, husband and mortgage. Irresponsible and dim; that's the way I see women like this.
k, borehamwood says...
11:00am Sat 16 Feb 08
Sue if you had read the posts properly you would know that i dont sign on and dont think the country owes me anything you would also know i pay my way yes i may live in a HA property so are you trying to say just because i dont own my property that i am restricted to the things i am aloud in life because this is the only thing you have that i dont oh sorry i am not married to my childrens dad but we have been together for nearly 10 years is this what makes me irresponsible and dim?
Liam, Herts says...
12:20pm Sat 16 Feb 08
"Irresponsible and dim" doesn't really help.
The essential point is that there IS an economic rent for any given property in any given area...anywhere in any city or county in any country in the world.
If you are not paying the economic rate, then someone is subsidising you. This is a matter of absolute economic fact.
Someone owns the property you are in, be the owner private or public. If the owner is public (or publicly subsidised) then any artificially below-market rent you pay is, ultimately, 'made-up' by the tax payer.
If you do not pay the market rate for your accommodation, you are being subsidised by other citizens. This is a matter of absolute economic fact.
There really is no such thing as a free lunch!
Somebody always pays!
This is where Labour lost its way in the 70s...the belief that the State magically had a pot of Government money that would make everything all right for everyone.
They tried raising the rate of tax to 72%, with an extra 15% for unearned income meaning royalties on any non-manual creation: 83% tax! and still it was a total unmitigated disaster.
Margaret Thatcher capped direct taxes at 60% then 40%
Tony Blair did not increase this figure surprise surprise.
You can hate her as much as you like, but Margaret Thatcher brought one thing to this country that the French and Germans are still catching up with.
There's no free lunch!
The essential point is that there IS an economic rent for any given property in any given area...anywhere in any city or county in any country in the world.
If you are not paying the economic rate, then someone is subsidising you. This is a matter of absolute economic fact.
Someone owns the property you are in, be the owner private or public. If the owner is public (or publicly subsidised) then any artificially below-market rent you pay is, ultimately, 'made-up' by the tax payer.
If you do not pay the market rate for your accommodation, you are being subsidised by other citizens. This is a matter of absolute economic fact.
There really is no such thing as a free lunch!
Somebody always pays!
This is where Labour lost its way in the 70s...the belief that the State magically had a pot of Government money that would make everything all right for everyone.
They tried raising the rate of tax to 72%, with an extra 15% for unearned income meaning royalties on any non-manual creation: 83% tax! and still it was a total unmitigated disaster.
Margaret Thatcher capped direct taxes at 60% then 40%
Tony Blair did not increase this figure surprise surprise.
You can hate her as much as you like, but Margaret Thatcher brought one thing to this country that the French and Germans are still catching up with.
There's no free lunch!
Oli, Radlett says...
12:36pm Sat 16 Feb 08
I'm just starting out in work and i saw a few days ago what taxes did to my pay slip.
I don't want to pay for your flat or your kids.
Still waiting? okay then - wait!
I don't want to pay for your flat or your kids.
Still waiting? okay then - wait!
ray hovell, borehamwood says...
1:39pm Sat 16 Feb 08
i gree with some of the comments made about my daughter but comming from a poor family my parents weer hard working people although not with us in this world anymore iwhat i have in this world is what i have earned and worked hard for all my life i have had no handouts from goverment no free meal tickets my daughter did get pregnant but was going out with this lad and he desieed to do abunk and leave her in this state and we are only putting a point over that todays waiting list for council houses are getting longer every day and no goverment is willing to tackle this situation
lone male parent who actually pays for his children..., borehamwood says...
10:55pm Sat 16 Feb 08
tell the father of your baby to go and get a job and then he can pay and rent a home for u and ur child like the minority of us do or if i would be so bold to suggest that u actually go and get ajob and claim working tax credit and then rent ur own home as most have to
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
11:36pm Sat 16 Feb 08
Well done lone male parent for being a man and standing up to your responsibilities. There isn't many like yourself.
Selina - Where did you live before you had your baby? The article in the paper states you moved home which is why you sleep in the living room not a bedroom. Also is there no where else for your daughter so sleep as surely it is not good for her baby to sleep in a push chair?
Selina - Where did you live before you had your baby? The article in the paper states you moved home which is why you sleep in the living room not a bedroom. Also is there no where else for your daughter so sleep as surely it is not good for her baby to sleep in a push chair?
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
7:38pm Sun 17 Feb 08
I may be wrong but I thought you were an asylem seeker until your were granted British citizenship which now contains a very hard test so I imagine half of the people living in this country from abroad do not even carry out this test and nothing is actually done about it. My husband is a licenced cab driver in the area and he knows of many other cab drivers who hardly speak English, who have actually asked the British workers to help them study for this test. Now why if these people have not even taken this test and been given british citzenship are they already living in h.a houses as most of them are and are registered with the local council as cab drivers. My husband has to ungoing many tests to do his job and has to regular have an enhanced police check carried out what is the point of this other people having them doen when they haven't been in our country long enough for anything to be on database about them as we do not have the ability to view records from abroad either.
Laurie. I would like to congratulate your daughter and her boyfriend, mainly him for working to support his family and not doing the easy thing of sitting and claiming benefits like many young men would have done but this also goes for many other ages. At what age do you cut off being a young parent these days as I know many single mothers who do not work, live in h.a houses having benefits pay for it and there children are all over 15 years old so why do they not work. What 16 year old is going to have a 15 year old kid none so stop picking on the young parents and open your eyes to society in general Jack.
Laurie. I would like to congratulate your daughter and her boyfriend, mainly him for working to support his family and not doing the easy thing of sitting and claiming benefits like many young men would have done but this also goes for many other ages. At what age do you cut off being a young parent these days as I know many single mothers who do not work, live in h.a houses having benefits pay for it and there children are all over 15 years old so why do they not work. What 16 year old is going to have a 15 year old kid none so stop picking on the young parents and open your eyes to society in general Jack.
jack, Borehamwood says...
10:08am Mon 18 Feb 08
Amanda,
the long and short of this is simple. If you can't afford kids (and that means, provide them with a home, clothes, food, education, and anything else they will require for the next 18 years (at least)) then don't have them. the same way you wouldn't buy a ferrari or world cruise if you couldn't afford them.
people need to think a lot harder before having children. if they did, this country would be in far better way.
children of 16 without qualifications, without homes, without income, without any experience of life do not make great parents.
the long and short of this is simple. If you can't afford kids (and that means, provide them with a home, clothes, food, education, and anything else they will require for the next 18 years (at least)) then don't have them. the same way you wouldn't buy a ferrari or world cruise if you couldn't afford them.
people need to think a lot harder before having children. if they did, this country would be in far better way.
children of 16 without qualifications, without homes, without income, without any experience of life do not make great parents.
jack, Borehamwood says...
10:15am Mon 18 Feb 08
Amanda,
the long and short of this is simple. If you can't afford kids (and that means, provide them with a home, clothes, food, education, and anything else they will require for the next 18 years (at least)) then don't have them. the same way you wouldn't buy a ferrari or world cruise if you couldn't afford them.
people need to think a lot harder before having children. if they did, this country would be in far better way.
children of 16 without qualifications, without homes, without income, without any experience of life do not make great parents.
the long and short of this is simple. If you can't afford kids (and that means, provide them with a home, clothes, food, education, and anything else they will require for the next 18 years (at least)) then don't have them. the same way you wouldn't buy a ferrari or world cruise if you couldn't afford them.
people need to think a lot harder before having children. if they did, this country would be in far better way.
children of 16 without qualifications, without homes, without income, without any experience of life do not make great parents.
anon, borehamwood says...
4:46pm Mon 18 Feb 08
i am afraid i kind of with jack on this.
probably society fault for making it easy for people who dont work.
probably society fault for making it easy for people who dont work.
Son, Beds says...
8:58pm Mon 18 Feb 08
Jack, Why do you have a huge chip on your shoulder. If everyone thought like you then there would be hundreds of childless people. As long as people go to work and support their children then whats the problem. Not everyone can afford to send their child to uni! If England would lower the cost of living then people would be better off finacially.
Jack, Borehamwood says...
9:58am Tue 19 Feb 08
Son, you say that as if it was a bad thing.
Why should councils have to provide houses for people with three/four/five and six kids that they have had but have no way of raising.
People work hard and have good salaries and could not afford 5 bedroom houses? whty should irresponsible people just be given them because they are too stupid or too inconsiderate to use protection.
Look at the Sun today- look at the picture of the 7 month pregnant woman throwing up from drinking too much on a night out.
that baby will have a great life.
also, check out the massive hoop earrings. always a tell tale sign of a chav.
and we all know, she will be living in a council flat, or is soon to get one. the kid will be raised in squalor, with no discipline and no father, and at 16, this kid will have more kids itself and so the cycle continues.
Why should councils have to provide houses for people with three/four/five and six kids that they have had but have no way of raising.
People work hard and have good salaries and could not afford 5 bedroom houses? whty should irresponsible people just be given them because they are too stupid or too inconsiderate to use protection.
Look at the Sun today- look at the picture of the 7 month pregnant woman throwing up from drinking too much on a night out.
that baby will have a great life.
also, check out the massive hoop earrings. always a tell tale sign of a chav.
and we all know, she will be living in a council flat, or is soon to get one. the kid will be raised in squalor, with no discipline and no father, and at 16, this kid will have more kids itself and so the cycle continues.
Me, B'Wood says...
11:58am Tue 19 Feb 08
Jack - You are so right!!
Where is the Dad in all this??
It should be affordable housing for people who can't afford to buy in the local area but could afford to pay rent!!
Lone Male parent you are a rare breed - Well done!
I am a lone parent living in part rent part buy accommodation working fulltime with no support from my ex husband...the house is in appalling state of repair, we can't even afford to do it...is anyone helping, errr no they are not, the full owness falls on my shoulders and a huge CSA debt, yes i have been on state benefit and now i work full time, claiming benefit wasn't my chosen career...This has stirred up a huge hornets nest!!!!
Where is the Dad in all this??
It should be affordable housing for people who can't afford to buy in the local area but could afford to pay rent!!
Lone Male parent you are a rare breed - Well done!
I am a lone parent living in part rent part buy accommodation working fulltime with no support from my ex husband...the house is in appalling state of repair, we can't even afford to do it...is anyone helping, errr no they are not, the full owness falls on my shoulders and a huge CSA debt, yes i have been on state benefit and now i work full time, claiming benefit wasn't my chosen career...This has stirred up a huge hornets nest!!!!
Anon, Herts says...
12:28pm Tue 19 Feb 08
Borehamwood is not that big a town and there will always be people on the waiting list . Perhaps, due to the lack of housing and limited space to build on, the powers that be whether it is Hertsmere or the various housing associations with properties in Borehamwood should offer incentives for people to move out of the area to be housed.
Many years ago when we had our first child we could not afford to buy in Borehamwood nor would we have been housed as although both working, we were paying rent to a private landlord and therefore adequately housed. We moved 20 miles away to a different Authority, and were very happy too! it took a while to get established and without close family nearby it was difficult at first but you have to make the best of what is available. And.. we had better schools to choose from.
Many years ago when we had our first child we could not afford to buy in Borehamwood nor would we have been housed as although both working, we were paying rent to a private landlord and therefore adequately housed. We moved 20 miles away to a different Authority, and were very happy too! it took a while to get established and without close family nearby it was difficult at first but you have to make the best of what is available. And.. we had better schools to choose from.
mc, Borehamwood says...
1:00pm Tue 19 Feb 08
I doubt anyone likes to pay taxes. Nevertheless, if you are paying a huge amount of tax, you should feel grateful for earning a nice salary. Some of the postings here are just plain nasty and ignorant. Don't we all wish we were as perfect as you! It is all very well that so many people ensured that they were married and mortgaged before having children. Well, lucky OLD you. There are plenty of people out there who work very hard their whole lives and input to society, but who never earn enough money to buy their own home.
Maybe this county should just build a huge wall with one side (shall we assume right?) occupied by the high and mighty, rich and privileged, oh, and extremely sensible people who only breed once they have a stash in the bank. Then you wouldn't have to waste your hard earned money on "people" who are not as fortunate.
But, I don't know who will serve your supermarkets, nurse you in hospitals, teach your children or wipe your bums when you are old and infirm?? All of those poor people in society would no doubt be on the other side of the wall, where they are just wishing they had the opportunity of a mortgage of less than £1500 a month and living their lives as best they can.
It would be great if every person of working age had a job and every child had a mother and father. But this is the real world.
And in this so-called civilised country of ours, I think it is appalling that so many people just cannot get access to decent housing.
How thoroughly rude and offensive to judge a person on their home or salary level and assume everyone in a council house does not care about their environment or children.
Maybe this county should just build a huge wall with one side (shall we assume right?) occupied by the high and mighty, rich and privileged, oh, and extremely sensible people who only breed once they have a stash in the bank. Then you wouldn't have to waste your hard earned money on "people" who are not as fortunate.
But, I don't know who will serve your supermarkets, nurse you in hospitals, teach your children or wipe your bums when you are old and infirm?? All of those poor people in society would no doubt be on the other side of the wall, where they are just wishing they had the opportunity of a mortgage of less than £1500 a month and living their lives as best they can.
It would be great if every person of working age had a job and every child had a mother and father. But this is the real world.
And in this so-called civilised country of ours, I think it is appalling that so many people just cannot get access to decent housing.
How thoroughly rude and offensive to judge a person on their home or salary level and assume everyone in a council house does not care about their environment or children.
jack, borehamwood says...
1:24pm Tue 19 Feb 08
mc, i think it is you that needs to live in the real world. the world you see before you is not the real world. it si an artificial world, set up by lefties so that layabouts can function normally - they take money from those that work and they give it to say, 16 year old mothers who don't work.
Now, lets say that 16 yr old mothers didn't get any handouts at all or any free housing. Do you believe the same amount would get pregnant as they currently do?
Lets say people who had "back ache" or "depression" were told to get a job or starve - do you think we would have as many scroungers on sickness benefit?
Lets say the govt helped families by reintroducing MIRAS and provided other help for families, rather than always not wanting to offend single mothers, maybe then, there would be more family units.
Maybe if the fathers had to pay for their children (ie not be chased by an incompetent CSA but one which works) they would also think twice. However, mothers have to be the ones to take ultimate responsibility as they will usually be the one left holding the baby. tell the partner to wear protection, go on the pill or shock horror, stop sleeping around.
I am a liberal. As far as i am concerned, people should be able to do what they like. have as many kids as they want, sleep with who they like, take drugs, whatever. as long as one simple rule is followed - that individiaul must deal with the consequences of their actions and not expect the tax payer to bail them out.
Now, lets say that 16 yr old mothers didn't get any handouts at all or any free housing. Do you believe the same amount would get pregnant as they currently do?
Lets say people who had "back ache" or "depression" were told to get a job or starve - do you think we would have as many scroungers on sickness benefit?
Lets say the govt helped families by reintroducing MIRAS and provided other help for families, rather than always not wanting to offend single mothers, maybe then, there would be more family units.
Maybe if the fathers had to pay for their children (ie not be chased by an incompetent CSA but one which works) they would also think twice. However, mothers have to be the ones to take ultimate responsibility as they will usually be the one left holding the baby. tell the partner to wear protection, go on the pill or shock horror, stop sleeping around.
I am a liberal. As far as i am concerned, people should be able to do what they like. have as many kids as they want, sleep with who they like, take drugs, whatever. as long as one simple rule is followed - that individiaul must deal with the consequences of their actions and not expect the tax payer to bail them out.
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
2:19pm Tue 19 Feb 08
Jack. I don't know what the thing is with you and 16 yr old mothers, maybe it is just the age you have chosen to use since Laurie mentioned her daughter was 16 when she had her child but if you look into the local housing suituation I believe I am right in saying that you can not sign a tenency for housing until you are 18 and the only hand-outs (as you call them) you get before the age of 18 is job seekers allowence, You tell me how you support a child on around £40 a week j.s.a and £18 a week child benefit. There is plenty of people on the housing lists waiting on properties, bedsits and one bedroom who have no children, why? and why are there so many old people in h.a properties. Surely all of these should have bought a house if they have worked all there lifes. The biggest problem with the housing list being so long is that the council allowed people to buy their houses in the 80's for a stupidly small price and then sold on for these money grabbers to make a bob or too or they were given to people years ago with 3,4, 5 kids and those single or coupled people are still living in three and four bedroom houses who don't actually need that size property. What are your views on that?
dee, says...
9:57am Wed 20 Feb 08
Whilst Jack can be a bit extreme at times, in essence I agree with Jack and Julie. I privately rented for many years, and to pay for that I had to work two jobs at times. In regards to children, I cannot afford to have them at this time in my life, so I won't be.
People don't seem to understand that Council and HA housing is paid for by other taxpayers - who do you think subsidises building the properties? People should take responsibility for themselves and stop "expecting" others to aid them. You live the life you can afford - sad but true - just get on with it, stop whinging and stop using the papers as a way of trying to get a house from the council.
Lastly, Amanda is correct - right to buy was a mistake! Plus it makes a mockery of people that work **** hard to get on the housing ladder, when others are given a discount. Even now the government wants everyone to be on the same level - it can't happen, society would collapse, and would result in everyone being at the bottom when they realise theres no point in working harder than others as the others get everything you work for cheaper!
People don't seem to understand that Council and HA housing is paid for by other taxpayers - who do you think subsidises building the properties? People should take responsibility for themselves and stop "expecting" others to aid them. You live the life you can afford - sad but true - just get on with it, stop whinging and stop using the papers as a way of trying to get a house from the council.
Lastly, Amanda is correct - right to buy was a mistake! Plus it makes a mockery of people that work **** hard to get on the housing ladder, when others are given a discount. Even now the government wants everyone to be on the same level - it can't happen, society would collapse, and would result in everyone being at the bottom when they realise theres no point in working harder than others as the others get everything you work for cheaper!
Laurie, Borehamwood says...
10:17am Wed 20 Feb 08
Amanda,your right there as we all know council home's were built for people on low income's to rent,not for the council's to sell them.
Out of the 48 house's in the road where I live 38,have been sold.Where are all the new house's to replace the one's sold?I would love to find out the figure's of how many home's have been sold and how many built to replace them,some one must know?.
I think it is really selfish when people live in large house's/flat's when they no longer need all the room's.There are 3 women living on there own in the road where I live in large 3 bedroom house's.I knew a lady about 15yrs ago who was given 3,000 to give up the 2 bed room house she rented, in exchange for a local bungalow,the money for removal cost's etc.I read in the sun a few week's ago that the government are to bring in new plan's with regard's to this.
Out of the 48 house's in the road where I live 38,have been sold.Where are all the new house's to replace the one's sold?I would love to find out the figure's of how many home's have been sold and how many built to replace them,some one must know?.
I think it is really selfish when people live in large house's/flat's when they no longer need all the room's.There are 3 women living on there own in the road where I live in large 3 bedroom house's.I knew a lady about 15yrs ago who was given 3,000 to give up the 2 bed room house she rented, in exchange for a local bungalow,the money for removal cost's etc.I read in the sun a few week's ago that the government are to bring in new plan's with regard's to this.
Laurie, Borehamwood says...
11:03am Wed 20 Feb 08
The h/a I live in was built in the 1940's as were many of the house's etc in the area.The oldest in Shenley road/ Meadow rd in the 1920's.Stanbrough avenue area,built in the 60's.Think of all the revenue made on these,ie I have rented from the council/ha for 26yrs how much rent is that?I am sure it far exceed's the original cost to build the house.Renting's big business as we all know.
Dave, Borehamwood says...
11:24am Wed 20 Feb 08
To begin with let me say I do not live in a big house. For laurie to suggest that it is wrong for people to own big houses where they no longer need the room is way out of order. Why should people who happen to afford their accomondation through years of hard work have to give "it" up just because they dont need the room anymore. i'm sick and tired of hard working people whose income is heavily taxed getting chastised just because some people choose to scrounge of state handouts and are awaiting a house on the free.
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
7:48pm Wed 20 Feb 08
Dave, What myself and Laurie are getting at if that why do so many people get houses large enough for their famiilies and then contiune to live in them after their families have grown up and out. What would they have done if this happened years ago, happiily lived in a smaller house for years or a flat with their children, No they would have moaned about it. Just because you live in a h.a house does not make you a scronger and like Laurie said she has been living in her house for 26 years, 26 years of rent outways the cost it took to the build the house in the first place. My husband is hard working yet we live in a h.a property with our children does that make us scrongers even thought we pay our rent, council tax the same as everyone else on here. We are not saying about the people who own the houses anyway, if you own the house then that is up to you how big a house you have it is after all your own home, a larger house reflects larger council tax. How many of these elderly people pay their rent and council tax now on their pension, very few if any I imagine?
Emma, Borehamwood says...
7:57pm Wed 20 Feb 08
people should be able to do what they like. have as many kids as they want, sleep with who they like, take drugs, whatever. as long as one simple rule is followed - that individiaul must deal with the consequences of their actions and not expect the tax payer to bail them out.
RIGHT ON JACK! Excellent well said. I can't afford to have kids and want to create a good life for myself so am currently studying and working. I take precautions when having sex and am responsible for my actions - if i make a mistake, i'll deal with it, with the help of family and friends. never in a lifetime would i look to the council for a handout. I dont want to start a whole new topic and admit i havent read aaallll the comments above (note aforementioned work/study situation!) but im not sure abortion has been mentioned. It's an option, girls. If you WANT it, support it - that's your choice.
RIGHT ON JACK! Excellent well said. I can't afford to have kids and want to create a good life for myself so am currently studying and working. I take precautions when having sex and am responsible for my actions - if i make a mistake, i'll deal with it, with the help of family and friends. never in a lifetime would i look to the council for a handout. I dont want to start a whole new topic and admit i havent read aaallll the comments above (note aforementioned work/study situation!) but im not sure abortion has been mentioned. It's an option, girls. If you WANT it, support it - that's your choice.
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
8:52pm Wed 20 Feb 08
I really don't understand why people keep going on about taxpayers picking up the bill. We pay our rent and we pay tax so get off your high horse.
Emma - I hope nothing happens to you such as your family passing away and you not having that support network you are obviously very lucky to have that because if it did I am sure you would rather a roof over your head be it a council place than for you to live on the street and no abortion hasn't been mentioned but I do not believe in it, if you are not going to be careful or be prepared for accidents then do more about it, abortion really is the easy way out.
This article is about one girl who lives with her parents currently on benefits yes she may be one of those that stays on benefits and never pays her taxes etc but please don't generalise everyone in that as we are not all like that, some of us do not have the options you have, my mother lives with her in laws miles away after certain problems here and my father was attack from behind by some mindless thug(s) so I do not have the benefits of being able to go home to my parents.
Emma - I hope nothing happens to you such as your family passing away and you not having that support network you are obviously very lucky to have that because if it did I am sure you would rather a roof over your head be it a council place than for you to live on the street and no abortion hasn't been mentioned but I do not believe in it, if you are not going to be careful or be prepared for accidents then do more about it, abortion really is the easy way out.
This article is about one girl who lives with her parents currently on benefits yes she may be one of those that stays on benefits and never pays her taxes etc but please don't generalise everyone in that as we are not all like that, some of us do not have the options you have, my mother lives with her in laws miles away after certain problems here and my father was attack from behind by some mindless thug(s) so I do not have the benefits of being able to go home to my parents.
jack, Borehamwood says...
9:53am Thu 21 Feb 08
Amanda, the high horse attitude is quite simple. People in HA houses pay a lower/ subsidised rent than they would if they had to fend for themselves in the real world.
However, despite crying to the council that they can't afford to live in the real world and need to have subsidised rent, you can bet your bottom dollar that most, if not all these people have decent clothes, cars, televisions, playstations for little waynes and shal, trainers for the kids, football shirts and lets not forget the most important items of all, fags and beer.
If anyone in any HA home has spare cash for luxuries such as television (yes, it is not a necessity), cars, designer clothes, fags and beer then why on earth can they not pay proper rent?
The reason is simple. Most are too selfish to go without and thanks to the way they have been brought up believe it is their human rights (innit) to have these luxuries. They see Wayne and Coleen have a bit of bling, so they need bling. I see loads of tarted up young girls on the high street. they have money for clothes, make up, hair cuts, and massive hoop earrings, but what is this? no money for rent. Oh well, the tax payer will keep on subbing my below average rent.
That is the reason. If people saw people in HA homes without luxuries, then perhaps people would be more sympathetic.
How many holidays has Laurie been on in 26 years? How many cars have they had, how many fags and beers have they drunk whilst the tax payer subsidises their rent?
However, despite crying to the council that they can't afford to live in the real world and need to have subsidised rent, you can bet your bottom dollar that most, if not all these people have decent clothes, cars, televisions, playstations for little waynes and shal, trainers for the kids, football shirts and lets not forget the most important items of all, fags and beer.
If anyone in any HA home has spare cash for luxuries such as television (yes, it is not a necessity), cars, designer clothes, fags and beer then why on earth can they not pay proper rent?
The reason is simple. Most are too selfish to go without and thanks to the way they have been brought up believe it is their human rights (innit) to have these luxuries. They see Wayne and Coleen have a bit of bling, so they need bling. I see loads of tarted up young girls on the high street. they have money for clothes, make up, hair cuts, and massive hoop earrings, but what is this? no money for rent. Oh well, the tax payer will keep on subbing my below average rent.
That is the reason. If people saw people in HA homes without luxuries, then perhaps people would be more sympathetic.
How many holidays has Laurie been on in 26 years? How many cars have they had, how many fags and beers have they drunk whilst the tax payer subsidises their rent?
Amanda, Borehamwood says...
10:55am Thu 21 Feb 08
Jack - How much tax do you think my husband pays each year? certainly enough. We live in a h.a property yet neither my husband or I smoke or drinkand do we or our children wear designer clothes. Yes we have a car but not a brand new one but it has to be nice as my husband uses it for work. He probably picks you up when you have been to the legion on a Sunday lunch. I understand your hang up with the people who claim benefits yet afford all sorts of things but we are not all the same. We simple can not afford to buy a house round here and as I said before we have looked into privately renting but my husband still has to pay his tax so we simply can not afford to privately rent and we want our family to feel security in their home not have to move every year like can happen when you privatly rent. My friends have moved three times in the two years I have know them thanks to private landlords selling the house. Oh yes and we have a holiday every year to Haven a carvan for eight that we split with family members at a cost of about £50 per adult. The ratio on cost of living against house prices years ago was very different to it is now. My mother and my step father both work earning fairly good money yet they can only get a morgage for £85k, you show me a property that you can buy for £85k, as we certainly haven't found one.
Jack - I think you are very narrow minded if you think that there is only two sorts of people in this day and age the layabout chavs and the hardworking rich. That is not how it is at all now that is the real world for you.
Jack - I think you are very narrow minded if you think that there is only two sorts of people in this day and age the layabout chavs and the hardworking rich. That is not how it is at all now that is the real world for you.
jack, Borehamwood says...
10:06am Fri 15 Feb 08
Maybe if babies weren't seen as tickets to free housing, and all people were faced with this situation we wouldn't have so many single mothers and young mothers.