I have been on the council housing register since I was 16 years old. I am now 35.

I don't claim any benefits, my husband and I work hard and I bring up two children.

We cannot afford a mortgage, so rent privately. The private rent goes up and up and now we find our landlord is going to sell the property, so we have to move on yet again.

We went to the council for help, but it seems we have no chance of a council property because we work. If we are made homeless we have to pay for our own bed and breakfast and storage because we work.

I am sick of being penalised for not being a scrounger, for not having baby after baby, for not claiming benefit.


Louise Hooper
St Christopher's Close
Canvey