A Single Mum’s Reality in a Council House
A single mother has bravely responded to misconceptions about her life, particularly the belief that living in a council house equates to a life of leisure. Megs, a 25-year-old mum, recently took to TikTok to share insights about her experience living in her first-ever council house for the past few months.
After announcing her new living situation, Megs faced a barrage of comments from individuals who assumed her home came without any financial responsibilities. In her video, she addressed the common myth that council housing means paying only £300 in rent while having no bills or council tax to worry about. She labeled these assumptions as unrealistic and misleading.
Known on TikTok as @motherhoodandmegs, Megs emphasized that, like most people, she works full-time and is the sole financial provider for herself and her child. She explained, “Every single month, I watch my rent, bills, and council tax create a significant dent in my bank account.” Furthermore, she pointed out that her council house is only £50 cheaper than comparable private rentals in the same area.
Megs also shared her struggles with managing bills, stating, “I pay a considerable amount for utilities, especially with a child who has a penchant for bright lights—it feels like we live in a carnival!” She humorously added, “If you could see my house from space, you might think it’s ablaze!” Currently, she is also in the midst of renovating her home while trying to adhere to a strict budget.
Her TikTok video resonated with many, garnering over 230,000 views and prompting 548 comments from viewers eager to share their thoughts. One viewer remarked, “I live in a council house and pay over £400 per month in rent, so for those who think it’s free, you might want to reconsider your assumptions.” Another commented, “As a single working mum in social housing, I can assure you that nothing is free; the rent is just more manageable compared to the exorbitant prices private landlords charge.”
When asked if she receives housing benefits to help with rent, Megs clarified, “I don’t receive any benefits; I work full-time for everything I need.”
The Reality of Living in a Council House
Leanne Hall, a Digital Writer at Fabulous, reflects on her own experience growing up in a council house and sheds light on the stigma often associated with such living situations. “As a child, I lived in a council house, blissfully unaware of the societal judgments that came with it until I reached adulthood,” she shared.
“My childhood was filled with joy—running up and down the stairs of our flat, playing with friends who lived nearby, and enjoying the communal garden. However, it seems that no matter the circumstances, there’s always someone ready to criticize your living situation.”
“During my upbringing just outside London, we faced high rent prices. With my mother at home raising three kids, finding a job that fit our needs was a challenge. People living in council housing are often unfairly labeled as ‘scroungers’ or ‘lazy,’ which couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“Many families in council homes deal with overcrowding and the persistent issues of damp and mould in aging social housing that hasn’t been maintained for decades. Although it’s far from ideal, council housing provides security without the constant fear of rent hikes, which is crucial for families living on the edge of poverty.”