HARDSHIP, BUT SOME SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT

The Quids in! Reader Survey 2016 reveals ongoing hardship among social tenants across the UK and identifies those most at risk of future health and money shocks. It is the third national survey, sponsored by Aviva and Mears. It provides a snapshot of life now but also an overview from the past five years and how things may be improving a little for many on the breadline.

The report provides essential reading for advice agencies, social landlords and policy-makers at all levels of government. It provides an overview of issues presented to social renters of all backgrounds from across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

The research focused on financial capability among tenants who may be affected by Universal Credit. It gathered data on IT skills, access to appropriate banking services, existing levels of debt and arrears, and general money management skills.

TOTALLY EXPOSED: CLAIMANTS AT RISK OF HEALTH AND FINANCIAL SETBACKS

Among working age tenants not in full-time employment, it found that due to money worries:

• 44% were skipping meals (average: 35%)
• 51% were turning off heating despite being cold (average: 44%)
• 58% felt frightened, anxious or depressed (average: 47%)
• 28% felt physically ill (average: 21%)
• 63% did not save for unexpected expenses and just 17% use a savings account
• 67% had no home contents insurance (average: 59%)

Quids in! editor Jeff Mitchell said: “When people go hungry and cold because they’re worried about the bills, of course physical illness or mental anxiety will follow. This group is the same as the one that will move onto Universal Credit over the coming years and the idea they can cope with a minimum six-week wait is a fantasy. Austerity must be reconsidered as the worst off are sitting on a timebomb it’s just a question of whether their health or finances will be ruined first.”

POSITIVE SIGNS

The findings were not all bad news. Across the board, tenants appeared to be more on top of debts and bills than in recent years and there was some indication that life for social tenants across the board was slightly better than in 2014, although generally not as good as in 2012:

• 47% felt frightened, anxious or depressed (compared to 52% in 2014, 45% in 2012)
• 35% skipped meals (37% in 2014, 33% in 2012)
• 42% went cold (51% in 2014, 44% in 2012)

Quids in! magazine was also better received among working age readers not in full-time work, with 54% valuing the fact is made them feel less alone, 36% saying it made them more mindful of their finances and 24% saying it helped them realise they needed help. Among all readers, 89% gave it the thumbs up as useful to some degree, with 17% saying it was useful ‘all the time’.

Click here to download the executive summary

Read The Sunday Mirror’s piece on the 2016 Reader Survey (October 2016).