Average Debt of Welfare Reform-Hit Tenant around £3,000

The average debt of the social housing tenants taking part in the Real Life reforms study is now £2,943, the third report reveals.  Of the 83 tenants from across the North of England, 77 per cent were in arrears and the average debt was up by 28 per cent since the last report. The study, which aims to investigate how changes to the benefits system are affecting tenants’ health, housing, wellbeing, finances, education and employment prospects, also found that the average weekly debt repayment has increased by 58 per cent to £34.41.  Andy Williams, director of neighbourhood services at Liverpool Housing Trust and chair of the Real Life Reform Steering Group, said it’s likely that many of the tenants will never be able to pay off their debt. Download a copy of the report from the Real Life Reform website.

Study to Reveal 'Human Impact' Of Welfare Reforms

The human impact of the government's welfare reforms is to be revealed in a major study of households across the north of England. Seven social housing providers have joined forces to investigate how changes to the benefits system affect people’s health, housing, wellbeing, finances, education and employment prospects. More than 70 households will take part in the research.  It is hoped the findings will allow the participating landlords to better understand the impact on their customers of sweeping reforms – ranging from the bedroom tax to changes to Jobseeker’s Allowance. The landlords – who will each work intensively with around 10 households for at least 18 months – also hope the 'Real Life Reform' research will provide information to shape their own policies, influence decision-making and inform national policy-makers.  Read more on 24dash.