The concept of "council housing" is one which is fast becoming extinct. Local authorities are no longer interested in providing social housing. Many have transferred their housing stock to holding companies or to housing associations,this being the only way that central Government funds could be obtained to do upgrades etc.
Presumably anyone living in the UK can apply to a housing association to join the queue and property will be allocated usually by a points system and also according to how long youve been on the list.
VERY true.
I really wouldn't rely on getting social housing unless you're pretty desperate/homeless, because most councils use a points system to allocate housing. With two kids, if you're homeless, they'll allot you a two-bedroom. Then, you will literally have to take what you are offered. In many councils, if you refuse more than one offer, you will lose points. And often, what you're first offered is a 'hard to let' property, hard to let because it's usually in a horrible neighbourhood.
And, as pointed out, most councils have transferred what stock they have remaining to a housing association (usually in exchange for the treasury writing off their housing debt). MOST housing associations no longer offer right to buy for new tenants, because this is the reason there is a dearth of social housing in the first place.
I might add, too, that even if you are homeless, you may spend many months in what is called temporary accommodation - this can be a B&B (and not a nice 4 star one), with all of you crammed into one room, or a flat you'll then have to vacate - until something becomes available.
