I got the council to replace my sad, grey kitchen – trolls say it’s ‘wasted money’ as my old one was fine, I don’t care
A MOTHER has revealed that she got the council to replace her sad, grey kitchen.
But while Carol Rowan, who lives in a council house in the UK, is impressed with her new beige kitchen, not everyone was as complimentary.
Carol, who recently gave her hallway a mega makeover whilst on a budget, took to social media to share details of her kitchen overhaul, leaving many gobsmacked.
Posting on TikTok, Carol gave her followers a before, during and after look at her kitchen transformation - but it’s caused a big divide.
The content creator, who regularly shares DIY clips online, revealed that her previous kitchen was there before she moved in and was well over 15 years old.
As a result, the DIY fan was able to get the council to give her pad an upgrade and now she thinks it’s “made such a difference”.
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To kick off her video, Carol gave her followers a close-up look at her kitchen before its makeover.
She described it as “very sad and very grey” and recognised that the council stripped everything out.
Carol even got a new wall installed, as the previous tiles were taking the wall with them when removed.
As well as fresh units and worktops, the council put in gorgeous new tiles, giving the space a fresh new feel.
Showing off the transformed kitchen, Carol explained: “Still not 100% finished but love how it’s turned out.”
As well as this, Carol later confirmed: “It was the council who put the kitchen in; we just bought our own worktop, hob and oven and they fitted it for us.”
Big divide
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @carolrowan20, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 244,200 views, 1,635 likes and 126 comments in just six days.
Social media users were stunned by Carol’s kitchen makeover and numerous users eagerly flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
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.
One woman beamed: “Looks lovely. The tiles and units really compliment each other.”
Whilst a second chimed in: “I absolutely love your new kitchen.”
However, at the same time, not everyone was as convinced by the renovation, as one user questioned: “Why are councils wasting money on replacing kitchens that are still fit for purpose?”
It looks much the same. Not like the council to change things that are ok
TikTok user
To this, Carol responded: “Don’t know but I’m glad they did in my case.”
Another added: “Isn’t much difference between the before and after, it looks the same, just a different shade of dull. It amazes me how people like to throw money away.”
How to do your council house up on the cheap
- Take inspiration from pricier shops and head to B&M, Home Bargains for interior decorations.
- Head to YouTube for easy to follow tutorials on how to decorate rather than paying for professionals.
- For a quick glow-up for your floors or anywhere with tiles, opt for stick-on vinyl to save on costs.
- A lick of paint does wonders to make a room feel brand-new.
- Switch out kitchen cupboard knobs for modern ones instead of buying brand-new cupboards
A third slammed: “It looks much the same. Not like the council to change things that are ok.”
Meanwhile, another agreed: “Nothing wrong with the first kitchen.”
Not only this, but one keyboard warrior snapped: “So now it’s beige.”
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Clearly unbothered by the rude remarks, Carol clapped back and joked: “Excellent observation skills. 10/10.”
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