Authors
Summary
For many on low incomes, especially care leavers, those fleeing domestic violence, or those who have escaped homelessness, getting hold of furniture and appliances is a mountain to climb. Given the economic effects of Covid-19, which will likely hit social housing tenants the hardest, and the fact that the cost of furniture has increased by 21%, it has never been more important to provide tenants with a place to call home. The report sets out the positive impact that increased furniture provision can have on tenants’ lives; what furniture support is currently available for tenants living in furniture poverty; and what barriers are in place which are preventing increased furniture provision in the sector, and how those barriers can be overcome. Despite a lack of support available at the moment for tenants living in furniture poverty, we show that there is great room for optimism. Our report provides a number of practical evidence-based solutions to help RSLs support their tenants with furniture and appliances.