Mum living in crowded council house moans about ‘flawed' system, sick trolls say she should give kids to social services
A MOTHER has complained about the 'flawed' council housing system, after her family-of-seven have been forced to live in a two-bedroom property.
Lauren Thackeray and her fiancé Chris, who both have two children from previous relationships and one child they share, have lived in their council house for the past 10 years.
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But instead of having their own bedroom, the couple have no choice but to sleep in their living room.
And now, Lauren has been hit with a barrage of horrendous abuse from sick trolls - with many telling her to 'close your legs' and some even suggesting she give her children to social services.
The pair have also been accused of 'living off benefits ', but the content creator who has 21,400 followers on TikTok, was eager to reveal the reality behind her living situation.
Posting on social media, the mother claimed: 'My council house is not big enough for my family and I desperately need a bigger house.'
While their home is much too small for the family-of-seven, Lauren shared: 'Me and my partner are currently saving up to buy a bigger house, hopefully in the next year or so.
'We are actually on the waiting list for a council house - however even if we got offered a house tomorrow, I really don't think we would accept it and that is because even though we have five children, we are only entitled to three bedrooms.'
Lauren then clarified: 'The reason we're only entitled to three bedrooms is because we don't claim child benefit for my two stepchildren which means in the eyes of the housing they don't exist - even though they stay with us three nights a week, they wouldn't be entitled to a bedroom, which personally I think is flawed.'
Lauren recognised that she and Chris are 'fortunate enough' to be in a position to buy a bigger house, which is why they are making ends meet in their crowded home.
Following this, the savvy mum continued: 'Our goal has always been to buy a house which is why we stayed in this house, because we've been able to save up for a deposit faster.'
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ laurenamyt, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 34,500 views, 832 likes and 113 comments.
I'm 28 and homeless with 6 children - the council won't help and trolls call me a 'scrounger' and tell me to 'close my legs' & 'get a job'
But social media users were left stunned by Lauren's claims and many eagerly rushed to the comments to share their thoughts.
One person said: 'If you can't afford your children, keep your legs closed.'
Another added: 'Have SS take your kids.'
The reality of living in a council house
LEANNE Hall, Digital Writer at Fabulous, has discussed what it was like growing up in a council house, and why those living in such properties are often judged...
When I was a child I grew up in a council house, and was blissfully unaware of the discrimination that came with that, until I became an adult.
My younger years were spent running up and down the stairs of my flat, meeting with other friends who lived there and making the most of the communal garden.
But now, it seems no matter your circumstance, everyone has something to say about why you shouldn't be there.
Living just outside of London like I did, rent prices are still high, and as my mum was at home raising three kids at the time, it wasn't easy to find a job that fit around that.
People in council houses are often labelled as 'scroungers' or 'lazy' but it's nothing of the sort.
Most families in council homes experience overcrowding, and let's not even mention the horrendous amount of damp and mould that comes from living in old social housing that hasn't had work done to them in 50 or so years.
It's not ideal for many, but it does provide a secure home without the fear your rent will shoot up every single year, which I would argue is vital to children growing up on the poverty line.
A third commented: 'Don't feel sorry for you at all, your choice to have so many kids.'
To this, Lauren clapped back and wrote: 'I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for me.'
Meanwhile, someone else slammed: 'Get a job. Move where you want.'
I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for me
Lauren Thackeray
"Why should the council give you extra space for kids who have their own room already."
Despite the numerous negative remarks, others were keen to wish Lauren the best in the search for her next home.
One user wrote: "Good luck on getting your forever home."
Whilst a second chimed in: "Best of luck to you."
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