Understanding the Financial Lives and Vulnerabilities of Castle Vale Community Housing Tenants
Together, post-Brexit and post-pandemic disruptions and the ensuing global economic downturn have further deepened longstanding inequalities across the country. Now the soaring cost of living, fuelled by increased energy prices following the Ukraine war, means that more people in low-income households and in poverty are struggling to get by, pay for their essentials, and meet their everyday needs.
The current crisis has disproportionately affected people with disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health problems, and those who are lone parents, low-skilled, unemployed, or precarious workers. With prices set to rise still further and following the government’s inadequate response towards supporting low-income households, more families are being driven into financial difficulties, problem debt, increased mental ill-health, and destitution. This timely research will conduct a case study in collaboration with the Castle Vale Community Housing in Birmingham. This research aims to investigate how social housing renters in low-income and financially vulnerable households experience the challenges of the ongoing rising cost of living. It also explores the role of money/debt advice and more holistic support services in helping tenants to alleviate their financial difficulties as well as in building financial resilience for the longer term.
The research objectives are to:
- Understand the drivers of deprivation amongst Castle Vale Community Housing tenants
- Explore how people already living in low-income and financially insecure households experience the challenges of food and energy price hikes, and the impact of these on their everyday lives
- Investigate the nature and effectiveness of money advice and other support provided within the Castle Vale Community Housing on the financial wellbeing of their tenants
This research will build on, and contribute to, empirical studies on poverty and financial insecurity in the current context of economic and political crises. Given the unprecedented social and economic conditions facing financially vulnerable households at the intersections of multiple inequalities, exploring the financial lives and vulnerabilities of Castle Vale Community Housing social housing renters is particularly timely and policy relevant. Importantly, the research will Inform the ongoing development of Castle Vale Financial Inclusion Partnership.
Other outputs of the research include:
- Report
- One or two peer-reviewed articles in high-quality journals
Living with the Cost of Living Crisis: Experiences of Castle Vale Tenants and Residents (Commissioned report) March 2024
Partners, sponsors and funders
Partner Organisations: The Pioneer Group Housing Association, Spitfire and Compass Support
Funder: Andrew Fisher