Almost half of UK social housing tenants have no money left after bills
- 03 Nov
A study has found that families in social housing are struggling with rising debt.
A report from Real Life Reform has found that an increasing number of households are growing increasingly concerned about falling into further debt, whilst many are reducing repayments in an attempt to make ends meet each week, reports 24dash.
The report reveals that:
• Average household debt is now £3,931 - a 71.8% increase since the research started in July 2013
• 48% of in-debt households don't know when or if they will ever be able to repay what they owe
• Weekly debt repayments have reduced to an average of £24.66 but repayment periods have extended
• 71% of households are now worried about getting into more debt - a 14% increase since the last report in July 2014
Lisa Pickard, chief executive of Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) and a member of the Real Life Reform Steering Group, said: "This latest report highlights some very worrying trends, especially around increasing debt. Many households, including those in low-paid employment, are struggling to make ends meet and are borrowing to be able to cope on a week-to-week basis. With average debts reaching almost £4,000, and many unsure when or if debts will be repaid, there are real concerns about people's ability to afford to live in the future. People's ability to cope in the future is of real concern. Our research is showing that work does pay but only for those lucky enough to secure full-time, reasonably paid employment."
Andy Williams, director of neighbourhood services at Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT) and chair of the Real Life Reform steering group, added: "This is our fifth report and each one provides evidence that some tenants appear trapped in a maze. They are borrowing more with little expectation or understanding of when or how they can pay the money back and are, in effect, just storing up debt."
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.freeimages.com/photo/1020195
Related articles
- 02 Nov
THE ONS PLANS TO CHANGE THEIR DECISION TO MAKE HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS PUBLIC BODIES
According to reports by 24 Housing, the ONS said the following:Gavin Smart, Chartered Institute of Housing's deputy chief executive also said:"Although we have been expecting this decision for some...
- 30 Aug
RECENT ANALYSIS FINDS THAT THE HELP TO BUY SCHEME HAS ADDED TO THE INFLATION OF HOUSE PRICES
The analysis of the Help to Buy Scheme revealed the following:The chief executive of Paradigm Housing Group, Matthew Bailes, said:" ... clearly, it worked well for developers, and for providers, it...
- 22 Aug
A NORTH WALES COUNCIL REVEALED THEIR WAITING LIST FOR NEW HOMES HAS REACHED BREAKING POINT
The north Wales Council revealed their waiting list for new homes has reached "breaking point".According to Clare Budden, Flintshire Council's community enterprise chief officer said:"There are...
- 17 Aug
HOMELESSNESS POLICY IS UNDER REVIEW IN A NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL
Kettering Borough Council has amended its letters to homeless residents to let them know of their right to request a temporary accommodation review.According to an ombudsman, Michael King:"People in...
- 15 Aug
FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS HAVE CAUSED THE CLOSURE OF MANY CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES
Local Government Association (LGA) made the following findings:Chair of the LGA's children and young people board, Richard Watts, said: "The reality is that services for the care and protection of...
- 11 Aug
RESIDENTS OF BUILDINGS IN LEDBURY ESTATE, SOUTHWARK, SOUTH LONDON WILL BE MOVED OUT TEMPORARILY
The buildings in Ledbury Estate in Southwark have been constructed in a similar way to Ronan Point, a tower block in Newham which collapsed in 1968 as a result of a gas explosion, killing three. An...
- 10 Aug
THERE IS A DECLINE IN THE HOUSING MARKET IN LONDON AND OTHER PARTS OF THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) made the following findings:Chief Economist at Rics, Simon Rubinsohn:"Sales activity in the housing market has been slipping in the recent month...
- 07 Aug
REPORT FINDS THAT PEOPLE ARE INTENSELY SUFFERING FROM LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOMES IN SCOTLAND
According to the report by "Shelter":Shelter's deputy director, Alison Watson, said:"This report shows the disproportionate impact of Scotland's housing crisis on young people and private renters who...
- 02 Aug
NEW REPORT BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNT COMMITTEE IN WALES COMMENDS HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
The report which was put together after nine months of inquiries stated the following:Nick Ramsey, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said:"Generally, we found governance and regulation within...
- 31 Jul
LONDON COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE MEASURES TO END LETTING FEES FOR PRIVATE RENTERS
The London council say urgent action is needed because the government has not provided "a clear timescale to introduce its own measure", Letting Agent Today, reports.Last year, the government had...
Support Solutions 5th National Housing Support & Social Care Conference 2014 The conference tackled todays issues at provider level, and provided knowledgeable people to present the workshops. A.L - Caraston Hall
