A WOMAN has clapped back at ‘jealous’ trolls who slammed her for her super-glam council house.
25-year-old Celene Francis, a single mother who lives in a two-bedroom house in Rotherham with her young daughter, has given her council property a mega makeover, all whilst on a budget.
Celene explained that she spends ‘all’ her money on her ‘iconic’ home.
But social media users were left open-mouthed by her stunning pad – and many questioned how she afforded to give her place its glow up.
Whilst some claim her home was ‘handed’ to her, another even suggested that it should be ‘revoked’.
Posting on social media, Celene shared a short video of her standing in her hallway.
Celene then revealed the question that she is often asked: “Why are you spending all your money on a council house?”
To this, Celene attached a viral audio of reality TV star Kim Kardashian, and mimed: “Cause it’s iconic…and I love to do iconic s**t.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @61thecouncilhouse, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 90,500 views.
But social media users were left divided by the clip – whilst some were supportive, mean trolls were not as nice.
One user penned: “There are some people who work their a***s off to live in a tin shed whilst others get handed stuff like this.”
Whilst a second chimed in: “Because she has minimum rent to pay and clearly wasn’t as much in need as she made out on that application.
“Embarrassing. House should be revoked.”
However, at the same time, someone else said: “I don’t get the hate, you pay so much less than private rent, why not make it a home, no one’s kicking you out!!”
To this, Celene replied and wrote: “Exactly!! It is probably more secure than private rent but some people just want to hate.”
Beautiful home, you do you!
TikTok user
Another added: “It’s jealousy plain and simple.”
Whilst a third commented: “I hate this question, I get asked all the time… it’s my home, of course I’m going to look after it even if it’s a council house!”
Meanwhile, another user shared: “These comments are hideous. Why are people so awful?
“Beautiful home, you do you! I was brought up on a council estate and my parents had it immaculate.”
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.
DIY JOBS
With not much money to spare, the student midwife and mental health support worker previously told Fabulous that she shops in high-street chains such as B&M, The Range and Home Bargains and by watching YouTube videos, has been able to give her home a stylish transformation on the cheap.
She explained: “I’ve done all sorts of DIY. I painted the kitchen cupboards, got new handles, and painted the tiles.
“Obviously I put down flooring and just got laminate and carpets. On the stairs I did a stair runner and just used what was leftover from my carpet.
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“I did all of the DIY myself – including fitting the stair rods and all of the painting.
“I watched a lot of YouTube videos but I’ve always been into DIY and interiors and doing things myself.”
SHOPPING CHEAP
Celene revealed that as a single mother, she tried to cut costs where possible, and so bought a lot of her home furnishings from cheap high-street chains.
She added: “I like to be on a budget and especially in this day and age, I haven’t got loads of spare money.
Some people just want to hate
Celene Francis
“I’ve done everything gradually and I don’t really go out or drink [alcohol] so any spare money I have, I buy things for the house.
“I mainly shop at The Range, B&M, Home Bargains and IKEA. But my favourite shop is B&M. I absolutely love B&M. As soon as something is trendy, B&M have it straight away.
“I love their garden stuff, their kitchen stuff, love it. I think B&M is great.”
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