Legal News

A report from Real Life Reform has revealed that nearly half of all families in social housing have no money left once they have paid their bills.

Online publisher 24Dash.com reports that the government’s welfare reforms have impacted on family budgets – with many social housing tenants in debt and unable to say when they might be able to repay their debts.

The fifth report from Real Life Reform looks into the lives of up to 100 northern households affected by the government’s welfare reforms, which were introduced in April 2013.

Interviews with 70 social housing tenants in August revealed that the average debt was £3,931 – a 71.8% rise in debt since the study was launched in July 2013. The average weekly debt repayment had reduced to £24.66, but many tenants had extended the repayment period.

Since the last report in July this year, a 14% rise in the number of debters living in social housing who were worried about getting into more debt.

Around four in 10 social housing households said they had nothing left at the end of the week after bills had been paid.

Chief executive of Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA), Lisa Pickard – who is a member of the Real Life Reform Steering Group – said the latest report highlighted “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.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Lawyers

Duncan Lewis housing lawyers can advise social housing tenants and rental tenants on a wide range of matters, including:

• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
• Local Authority housing
• Nuisance neighbours
• Unlawful eviction.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid lawyers.

For expert legal help with housing problems, call Duncan Lewis housing lawyers on 020 7923 4020.