Our home is more than just a roof over our heads—it's meant to provide safety, ensure well-being, and uphold our human dignity. For the past two years, my family and I have been experiencing the complete opposite while living in council housing. Instead of a temporary place to stay, it has turned into an ongoing nightmare. Meant to be a six-month arrangement, it has stretched into two gruelling years which have been made intensely difficult by the harsh and inhumane treatment we've received. We've been subjected to abuse by council workers, labelled as 'government leeches', and have lived amidst incessant chaos and neglect—overflowing bins, locked windows, and ineffective keys. Additionally, the fact that an 18-year-old, specifically myself, would be denied personal space upon returning home from university, further stresses the profound lack of consideration for individual needs. Living in council housing should not translate to a forfeiture of basic human rights.

Council tenants make up approximately 17% of all households in England (MHCLG, English Housing Survey, 2019). It is vital that the council acknowledges us, and millions like us, as individual human beings—each with our distinct needs. Neglect and outright disrespect should no longer be a part of the council housing experience. We urge the council to listen to our lived experiences and take our feedback and concerns seriously when considering our housing needs and making future decisions.

This is not merely about improved housing conditions—it's about restoring respect, dignity, and humanity for council tenants. Let's effect change now. Sign the petition.