For most people housing is the highest living cost, yet the ongoing housing crisis in the UK is often overlooked when discussing the current cost of living crisis.
In this webinar, we explored the policy issues affecting housing affordability for low-income households, examining the scale of the problem as well as what can be done in both the short and long term.
We highlighted important work done by our clients using data to proactively address housing issues.
We discussed a recent project that used benefits administration data to identify households in temporary accommodation that could be helped to move into the private rental sector.
Listen back to hear
- How the ongoing housing crisis in the UK is often overlooked when discussing the current cost of living crisis
- Not enough housing, particularly affordable, is being built, compounding the problem
- An extreme example of housing (un)affordability is the benefit cap and its growing impact on families and the rising costs of TA
- Policy change is needed to build more houses and raise (or scrap) the benefit cap
- Positive steps you can take to make a difference
– Maximise income using the Better Off calculator
– Proactively target relevant support using administrative data in LIFT
With guest speakers:
Alex Clegg, Senior Policy and Data Analyst, Policy in Practice
Tylor-Maria Johnson, Senior Policy and Data Analyst, Policy in Practice
Abbie Everett, Policy and Data Analyst, Policy in Practice
View the webinar
Policies such as Right to Buy, Help to Buy and 95% LTV mortgages benefit lower middle income households but not those on the lowest incomes with the most acute housing affordability problems.
For every person who enters the labour market as a result of the benefit cap, 8 children will move into destitution.
Only 10% of people who need a DHP (Discretionary Housing Payment) actually apply for it.