Charities Report Surge in Furniture Poverty Across UK
Organisations are overwhelmed with demand from individuals and families unable to afford essential household items, prompting calls for government action.
Charities across the UK are experiencing unprecedented demand as furniture poverty, the inability to afford essential household items like beds and cookers, affects an increasing number of people.
National charity End Furniture Poverty estimates that approximately six million individuals in the UK are currently living without these basic necessities. In response, a group of Members of Parliament is urging the government to develop a national strategy to address the issue, asserting that a secure home should include access to essential furniture for daily living.
The government has stated it is already implementing measures to support households facing such challenges.
In Hampshire, local charities report being “busier than ever.” Mike Taylor, managing director of Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship (Scratch), noted that the charity has been operating at maximum capacity for years, with two vans making daily deliveries. Scratch, which has been active for 27 years, provides furniture and appliances at minimal cost, relying on donations and grants. They typically receive referrals from councils, housing associations, or social workers.
Yana Osibchuk, who fled Ukraine with her son, described her experience of being placed in social housing that was entirely empty, lacking furniture, a cooker, a fridge, or even flooring. She stated that Scratch's assistance had been life-changing.
Claire Donovan, director at End Furniture Poverty, highlighted the severe consequences of this issue, stating that over a quarter of social housing tenants experience furniture poverty, yet very few social housing units are let furnished. Research by the organization indicates that 30% of individuals living in furniture poverty report negative impacts on their physical and mental health due to factors such as lack of proper sleeping arrangements or the inability to store and prepare food.
"Not being able to get a good night's sleep because you haven't got a bed. Not being able to store or prepare fresh food because you haven't got a cooker or a fridge - and just the grinding stress of that day in day out - it really affects every area of your life," Donovan explained.
The Moving on Project Portsmouth charity also reports a significant increase in demand, with many individuals turning to high-interest loans to acquire necessary items, which can lead to further financial distress. Sarah Knight from the charity observed that the issue is no longer confined to those on benefits but now affects people from various backgrounds due to reduced working hours and increased living costs.
End Furniture Poverty is advocating for a government policy that would mandate 10% of social housing units to be offered furnished. A government spokesperson acknowledged the problem, stating, "No one should have to live without essential furniture in the place they call home." The spokesperson also mentioned a £1 billion fund available to assist households in acquiring furniture.
