So I am sitting in the office waiting to see another client.

A family of three comes in. A man in his late 40s, his wife wrapped up like a Christmas present and a 4 year old boy. The man apologises for his very poor English and says that he wants to buy his council flat and the council send him a document outlining very dangerous information.

I take the document, read it through and see what the man is referring to. His flat hasn't been checked for the asbestos, even though several other flats has been checked in the block and there were all fine. The man is still not happy with the information, tells me a touching story of having 4 children and how he needs to look after them.

I suggest him to call the surveyor and do all the checks if he is so worried. The man says that he does not want to pay the charge, as he is buying the flat under the right to buy scheme. His flat was estimated at 687,000 thousands pounds and as a council tenant of 8 years, he qualified for a 100,000 pounds discount. One hundred thousands pounds, yes, you got it right. Just for being a poor bastard from a 3rd world country. He got this discount and he can't pay the charge to get his flat inspected. So what is the alternative? You call local tenancy management organisation, the health and safety department, and get it checked for free.

Welcome to the United Kingdom. The most generous and tolerant country in the world.