Would you go on benefits and live in a council house if you had to?

[Tom]

Not meant in a judgemental way, perhaps some people on here already do.

Would you do it if you HAD to, even with the stigma attached to it?

[Ross]

If I had to, like had no choice then obviously I would because atleast I have a roof over my head. Don't think I'm ever gonna be in this situation though.

[MissKittyFantastico]

I've been on benefits myself and I didn't like it, nothing to do with any stigma but because I worked from the age of 16 and always supported myself, but had no choice at the time so it was necessary.

If it meant it was the only way I could keep a roof over mine and my family's head though then I wouldn't have a problem with doing it, but I'd obviously try and get myself back to where I could support myself again and not rely on money from the state.

Just the way I was brought up I guess, to work hard and give back to society, people who scrounge off the dole out of sheer laziness really make me angry, there was an article in the paper today about a young girl who refuses to work, has a young child and boasts about how much money she gets without needing to work, has no intention of ever getting a job, now that **** makes me mad!

[Stephanie]

depends, i would ask my parents for help first if i had money problems
which i hope never happens when i'm older

[Tom]

I've been on benefits myself and I didn't like it, nothing to do with any stigma but because I worked from the age of 16 and always supported myself, but had no choice at the time so it was necessary.

If it meant it was the only way I could keep a roof over mine and my family's head though then I wouldn't have a problem with doing it, but I'd obviously try and get myself back to where I could support myself again and not rely on money from the state.

Just the way I was brought up I guess, to work hard and give back to society, people who scrounge off the dole out of sheer laziness really make me angry, there was an article in the paper today about a young girl who refuses to work, has a young child and boasts about how much money she gets without needing to work, has no intention of ever getting a job, now that **** makes me mad!

For the likes of those people (ie long term unemployed for no reason) I think they should just be sent supermarket vouchers or something then we'd see who'd be boasting

[Ross]

I don't look down on people at all though. The stigma is ridiculous. Each to their own. Okay it's given some think it's an easy life and are lazy *****, but most can't help it... no jobs etc.

[Twilight]

Well yeah because i'm not really gonna be homeless just because of a stupid stigma there is.

[setanta]

I think it's important that we live in a society that helps the unfortunates too. I can accept the odd scrounger if it means that many families or individuals in difficult positions get the support they need through tough times.

[MissKittyFantastico]

For the likes of those people (ie long term unemployed for no reason) I think they should just be sent supermarket vouchers or something then we'd see who'd be boasting

Yeah I agree with that. This girl smokes 20 a day, spends her money on the latest fashion etc and moans that she still doesn't get enough money to go out clubbing as much as she wants to!

No problem with people who NEED help, but it's when people that do need it get turned down when there's people out there cheating the system that really winds me up. I agree Ross most people do genuinely need it, it's the few, well it's actually more than just a few, that take the piss that gets me mad.

[30stone]

I think it's important that we live in a society that helps the unfortunates too. I can accept the odd scrounger if it means that many families or individuals in difficult positions get the support they need through tough times.

My uncle is one of the bad ones, got banned from driving (and his job as he was driving a huge lorry whilst drunk) so lost his job and has been on the doll for like 3 years and although he tells us hes looking for a job, and probably is now... he spend like 2 years in the pub every day.

[setanta]

My uncle is one of the bad ones, got banned from driving (and his job as he was driving a huge lorry whilst drunk) so lost his job and has been on the doll for like 3 years and although he tells us hes looking for a job, and probably is now... he spend like 2 years in the pub every day.

You can become downhearted and attach yourself to a drug when you're feeling that low. I can sympathize with him over that and I always say, but for the grace of God, there go I. Is he an alcoholic?

[BB_Eye]

Well I'd take that over being homeless if that's what you're asking.

Anyway, rough chic is so "in" right now.

[GypsyGoth]

I would go on benifits and live in a council house.

[NettoSuperstar!]

I have done and I had no choice at the time, I lived in housing association flat for a few years till I got a better job etc

[InOne]

I'm on sick, but don't have my own house. Dunno what that conuts as really, i'd like to work but it's not my fault. I help my Dad with workshops now and again so i'm not a total waste lol

[sooty]

It depends on the situation I think.

Luckily I have never been out of work, but if I get ill or injured and no home, I may have to consider it.

[bronaaaa]

I'd ask family/friends first, but if it really came down to it I suppose I'd have to

[Lauren]

Of course. By 'had to' - I mean disabled, injured, living in poverty. I don't look down on people who are on benefits for those reasons, and I don't think there's a stigma attached to those reasons.

[InOne]

If you gotta do it, you gotta do it.

[Mrluvaluva]

Who knows what may happen in your life. Not everyone has family to rely on. People get sick. People lose their jobs. People do not always have the best of choices in life. If you have to you have to. Some people have to survive on minimum wages despite trying their best. It does not make you any less of a person. Why this stigma about council housing? I was brought up in a council house with no money and I bet it did me a damn sight better than living in the lap of luxury. Not having a lot makes you appreciate things a little bit more in my experience and maybe helps you strive for better things. Not everybody has that oppurtunity in life.

[Niamh.]

to the 2 people who said No, you would go and sleep rough on the streets then instead???

[Stephanie]

to the 2 people who said No, you would go and sleep rough on the streets then instead???
one of them was courtney, are you really suprised LOL?

[lime]

to the 2 people who said No, you would go and sleep rough on the streets then instead???
Crazy isn't it.
Imagine explaining to the kids "ok I have worked hard payed my taxes and prsi ,now I have lost my job and I could claim some of that money back through benefits so that we could eat and be warm at least but I'm not going to ,so pick a cardboard box and lets go."
:conf:

[Niamh.]

Crazy isn't it.
Imagine explaining to the kids "ok I have worked hard payed my taxes and prsi ,now I have lost my job and I could claim some of that money back through benefits so that we could eat and be warm at least but I'm not going to ,so pick a cardboard box and lets go."
:conf:

lol, I know yeah, it would be a rather strange decision to take lol

[Enid]

Of course I would.

[Nicky.]

You'd have to :\
Other people around you in the street will understand your problems, because they'll be in the same situation.
Also, council houses are stereotyped as horrible, messy houses.. but that's because of the people who live in them usually, and it's those people who end up in that situation...

No offence to anyone aha!

[lily.]

Not meant in a judgemental way, perhaps some people on here already do.

Would you do it if you HAD to, even with the stigma attached to it?

What stigma?

[Shaun]

I wouldn't like to, but if I had to, yes. What else would I do? Go homeless?

I have family who live in it, and I'm not ashamed of them. **** the stigma.

[lily.]

I live in a council house... and I personally think you are a snobby bastard for having the views you do Tom.





Oh yeah,, and no offense..

[InOne]

I'm a working class hero!

[Beastie]

I would as a last resort but it is not something to take advantage off. A problem in the UK is that we do have lazy chuffers who would rather sit in their council house and smoke weed all day...

[lily.]

I'm a working class hero!


I never made it as a working class hero.......;)

[Beastie]

I would say I am working class at the moment.

[Patrick]

FA wrong with it

[Billy]

I do.
My mum's a single mum who cannot work due to illness and is on benefits, and we live in a council house.
But we're not chavs.

[InOne]

There has been a class shift though, the working class of the 70's does not exist.

[Lewis.]

yeah.. The governement seem to give more advantages to people on benefits anyway. A Lady in my street has never payed rent, lives on benefits, gets nice new doors and new windows.. a nice new kitchen, has never worked a day in her life
My mum has worked all of her life and we don't get new kitchens and doors etc. I live in a council house but we rent it with our own money, it's under the same council company aswell, it all seems a bit unfair really. I mean, fair enough if you are unable to work because of illness, but the woman spends every day on her ass watching daytime TV and is quite capable of working. I mean, I'm 14 and I have a 16 hour a week job.. 30 hours in holiday weeks... Surely a healthy 27 year old girl can get a job somewhere

[lily.]

The whole question just reeks of snobbery. It's essentially saying that it would be the worst thing in the world to claim benefits and live in council housing.

I don't claim benefits, but I live in council housing. Not because I have to, but because I'm working class. Worked since I was 16 til I had my kids. My husband works and he earns a **** wage, as we live in an area which is renowned for **** wages (just ask Billy).

We don't have the opportunities some of you have. We weren't all born with a silver effing spoon in our mouth. Sorry for being irate, but this kind of thing irks the ***** out of me.

[Beastie]

The whole question just reeks of snobbery. It's essentially saying that it would be the worst thing in the world to claim benefits and live in council housing.

I don't claim benefits, but I live in council housing. Not because I have to, but because I'm working class. Worked since I was 16 til I had my kids. My husband works and he earns a **** wage, as we live in an area which is renowned for **** wages (just ask Billy).

We don't have the opportunities some of you have. We weren't all born with a silver effing spoon in our mouth. Sorry for being irate, but this kind of thing irks the ***** out of me.

It is not snobbery at all but there are SOME capable people in the UK who take advantage and sponge off the system. Fair enough to the people who have genuine illness or can't find a job after hunting everyday for one.

[lily.]

You don't think it's snobbery to talk about council housing like it's some kind of hellhole?

[Billy]

The whole question just reeks of snobbery. It's essentially saying that it would be the worst thing in the world to claim benefits and live in council housing.

I don't claim benefits, but I live in council housing. Not because I have to, but because I'm working class. Worked since I was 16 til I had my kids. My husband works and he earns a **** wage, as we live in an area which is renowned for **** wages (just ask Billy).

We don't have the opportunities some of you have. We weren't all born with a silver effing spoon in our mouth. Sorry for being irate, but this kind of thing irks the ***** out of me.

what she said.

[Lewis.]

It is not snobbery at all but there are SOME capable people in the UK who take advantage and sponge off the system. Fair enough to the people who have genuine illness or can't find a job after hunting everyday for one.

I agree. There are genuinely people who need the system to live their lives adequately, but there are some who take advantage of it

[Billy]

I agree. There are genuinely people who need the system to live their lives adequately, but there are some who take advantage of it
The question is still snobby though, cos it's insinuating that living in a council house etc is the lowest of the low.

[Beastie]

The question is still snobby though, cos it's insinuating that living in a council house etc is the lowest of the low.


It is not we are just openly talking about it. I don't think of any less of someone who lives in a council house over someone who lives in a mansion.

[InOne]

The question though itself, the 'If you had to' bit.

[Beastie]

A council house is not even the lowest of the low, some council houses are better than some houses people pay rent or mortgages for.

[Billy]

It is not we are just openly talking about it. I don't think of any less of someone who lives in a council house over someone who lives in a mansion.

it bloody is. "if you had to", as if we're bloody diseased or something.

[lily.]

The question is still snobby though, cos it's insinuating that living in a council house etc is the lowest of the low.

Yup. And, note that people who don't live in council housing don't seem to see that they are coming across as judgemental.

I don't go around making assumptions about people who live in private estates... and I'd ask you not to make assumptions about us, but frankly, I don't give a flying ***** what you think now.

[InOne]

Yeah, nothing wrong with it. Live and let live, which some people just can't do, therefore rely on Stereotypes

[Tom]

What stigma?

Are you actually that oblivious?

Oh and for the record I never said there was anything wrong with it, just based on what other people think about it.

[Beastie]

Yeah, nothing wrong with it. Live and let live, which some people just can't do, therefore rely on Stereotypes

I am not relying on stereotypes, it all comes down to what the person actually does.

[lily.]

Are you actually that oblivious?

Oh and for the record I never said there was anything wrong with it, just based on what other people think about it.

No, I'm not oblivious. I was brought up in a council estate and I currently live in a council estate, so how would I know what the people from the "better" estates say about us.

[Beastie]

Are you actually that oblivious?

Oh and for the record I never said there was anything wrong with it, just based on what other people think about it.


I think it is a good question to start off a debate Tom but some people get all defensive and argumentitive over the subject.

[InOne]

I am not relying on stereotypes, it all comes down to what the person actually does.

Yes but it's still Stereotypes really

[Tom]

No, I'm not oblivious. I live in a council estate, so how would I know what the people from the "better" estates say about us.

Through the media and what other people who don't live on one say?

[lily.]

I think it is a good question to start off a debate Tom but some people get all defensive and argumentitive over the subject.

Some people? Why don't you just say what's on your mind? You think I'm being defensive and argumentative.

Ok, lets make a thread about black people and how there's a stigma that they are all thieving criminal bastards.

Then see who gets defensive.

You're *****ing offensive love.

[lily.]

Through the media and what other people who don't live on one say?


Are you actually kidding me with this ****. You are so far up your own arse Tom. I always knew you were a bit uppity, but this is taking it to a whole other level.

[Beastie]

Yes but it's still Stereotypes really

Yeah but I see it from various points of view. I KNOW quite a few people who live in council houses work very hard to pay for their families, etc, but there are people who spend all their benefits on weed or whatever but this is in the minority. If you are not in the "spend all your benefits on weed, etc," stereotype group then you should have no problem living in a council house.

[lily.]

Oh
My
God.


That post was right up there with.. "some of my best friends are gay".

[InOne]

Yeah but I see it from various points of view. I KNOW quite a few people who live in council houses work very hard to pay for their families, etc, but there are people who spend all their benefits on weed or whatever but this is in the minority. If you are not in the "spend all your benefits on weed, etc," stereotype group then you should have no problem living in a council house.

Some don't live on council estates and sponge and smoke weed. All the little rich kids who live of mummy and daddy.

[andyman]

I want a council house, cheap rent n all..

[Billy]

Yeah but I see it from various points of view. I KNOW quite a few people who live in council houses work very hard to pay for their families, etc, but there are people who spend all their benefits on weed or whatever but this is in the minority. If you are not in the "spend all your benefits on weed, etc," stereotype group then you should have no problem living in a council house.

Then why doesn't the thread say "would you illegally go on benefits if you had to" rather than making people who do live in council houses etc feel like they're worth less than people who live in eighteen bedroom houses with four bathrooms?

[Tom]

Are you actually kidding me with this ****. You are so far up your own arse Tom. I always knew you were a bit uppity, but this is taking it to a whole other level.

Nah you've completely got the wrong end of the stick here

All I'm asking is with all the negativity around it, would you do it? I've not said there is anything wrong with it so don't accuse me of that.

[Shaun]

Agreed with InOne and lili really. People living off rich mummies and daddies are worse people than people in council housing - as one is a lifestyle choice, the other is not necessarily.

We all know there ARE spongers, but that's sensationalised by the press. Very few do in reality. What about people on waiting lists for the housing?

[Beastie]

Some don't live on council estates and sponge and smoke weed. All the little rich kids who live of mummy and daddy.

Yes I know.. that is why I said the ones who sponge off council estates and smoke weed are in the MINORITY. I live at home but I pay for EVERYTHING myself. I pay my mum and dad board each month and we are NOT rich.

[lily.]

Then why doesn't the thread say "would you illegally go on benefits if you had to" rather than making people who do live in council houses etc feel like they're worth less than people who live in eighteen bedroom houses with four bathrooms?


Thank you Billy. It seems you have taken this in much the same way as I have. Could it be something to do with the fact that we live in council housing and aren't lowlifes?

[Billy]

Thank you Billy. It seems you have taken this in much the same way as I have. Could it be something to do with the fact that we live in council housing and aren't lowlifes?

It may be!

[MrGaryy]

u's r all durty schemiez. xo

[lily.]

u's r all durty schemiez. xo

Considering this Gary..



єℓℓє says:
*i'm a schemey
G || if you could only see; says:
*what's a schemey
єℓℓє says:
*someone who was raised on a council estate.
*council housing schemes.
*as they are known here.
*hence schemey





You can't insult me with it now since you asked me what it meant.. <3

[Stephanie]

if some people didn't spend their benefits on shite and laze around all day in their council houses when they could be working (not including elderly people, or people who can't work or are trying to get a job but can't) then there wouldn't be this stigma attached to living in them, and imo there isn't anything wrong with it and alot of the people who live in council houses do work, and don't abuse their rights to benefits but the minority do.

[Tom]

Thank you Billy. It seems you have taken this in much the same way as I have. Could it be something to do with the fact that we live in council housing and aren't lowlifes?

and I think you've completely taken it the wrong way. If you're not oblivious then you'd know about the stigma attached to it. And if thats what you're trying to prove otherwise to those who don't know, then maybe the best way isn't to be so touchy and accuse people of things that haven't even been said.

[lily.]

Oh just **** off.. I'm sick of you now..

[Tom]

Yet funny how you've said NOTHING to those who didn't vote yes :rolleyes:

[Beastie]

I wouldn't be defensive or argumentive if there was a thread about "what do you think of people who still live with mummy and daddy" :joker:

[InOne]

I wouldn't be defensive or argumentive if there was a thread about "what do you think of people who still live with mummy and daddy" :joker:

It's not about 'living with mummy and daddy', it's the ones who sponge and that are as bad as those who live on a council estate, what kind of house you live in makes no difference to the person you are.

[Tom]

It's not about 'living with mummy and daddy', it's the ones who sponge and that are as bad as those who live on a council estate, what kind of house you live in makes no difference to the person you are.

How do you know thats not a misconception and they actually pay their way, meaning that could be interpreted just like 'all people on benefits are lazy'?

[Hugo]

ew, poor ppl.

[InOne]

How do you know thats not a misconception and they actually pay their way, meaning that could be interpreted just like 'all people on benefits are lazy'?

I'm saying it works both ways, maybe their is more on a Council Estate but everyone from different classes does that. And is sponging of ma and pa any better than being on the dole?

[Billy]

and I love how it was Bronaaaa and Courtney12whatever that said no lmao. Says alot.

[pinkmichk]

bloody labels piss me right off and the stereotypical view people get of people just cos of a group who take the piss you only ever hear in the news about those who proper abuse it
i am myself living in a council house i'm on benefits and guess by some standards on here i'd be lowest of low cos i also happen to be a single mum but not all of us are the same i worked from 15 to 21 when i had my baby only reason i am on benefits at mo (i hate being on them by the way its not what i would choose to do) is because due to how my life panned out i am a single mum and while my daughter is still young i am not gonna pay someone to look after her (which would be the same place i would be working in as a nursery nurse so why not give her the best possible care now) i am going back to work when she starts school full time in jan
i dont care what people think of me for how i happen to live my life at the moment if your gonna hate one people do it on those who purposely get pregnant straight out of school so they never work just get house and benefits dont slap us all under the same bracket