Policy vision
To break the cycle of poverty, debt, and homelessness disproportionately impacting low-income single mothers and children in England, we envision a compassionate, harm-reduction-centred policy framework that addresses not only the housing shortage but the systemic debt structures exacerbated by government austerity, punitive welfare rules, and coerced debt from domestic abuse. This vision calls for urgent reforms across housing allocation, social welfare, childcare, employment, and debt collection – ensuring that no survivor is penalised for abuse-related debt, all families have access to safe and dignified housing, and the unpaid labour of caregiving mothers is recognised and supported rather than punished by state systems.
We are committed to working in partnership with those affected, as well as with policymakers, service providers, and civil society, to achieve these goals. In this spirit of collaboration, we invite housing providers – both local authorities and housing associations – to share their best practice with us. By learning from effective models and frontline experience, we can shape policies that are rooted in compassion, equity, and impact.
Through empathy-driven policymaking, we can move from a nation that traps families in debt to one that invests in their dignity, well-being, and future.
2025
Technical brief to amend statutory guidance for domestic abuse survivors
This 1-page technical brief sets out the suggested wording for amending statutory guidance on social housing allocations to ensure that domestic abuse survivors are not negatively impacted by housing-related debt disqualifications. Many have been subjected to economic abuse and coerced debt which means, as it currently stands, they can be disqualified from bidding for social housing by their local authority. Our research has shown that families are becoming stuck living in Temporary Accommodation for years because of these rules (which vary wildly between local authorities), delaying move-on, and costing local authorities tens of thousands of pounds.
Removing barriers for domestic abuse survivors to access social housing
This short brief sets out key findings on domestic abuse survivors’ experiences of debt, homelessness and accessing social housing. It makes the case for change through six policy recommendations.
2024
Trapped in temporary accommodation data pack
Through Freedom of Information research, we discovered that thousands of homeless households – including children and many domestic violence survivors – are stuck in temporary accommodation in England because of council rules on housing-debt. The data pack points to households in TA being judged as financial risks as tenants rather than as vulnerable families with children who need housing. We are calling for urgent review and greater monitoring of the impact of these rules.
2023
The debt trap report
Women and children are stuck in a ‘debt trap’. This research report evidences how rental, council tax, and other personal debts are shaping families’ housing journeys into and on from homelessness and temporary accommodation. Debt not only causes, lengthens, but also outlives family homelessness. The report was launched at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Households in Temporary Accommodation in 2023.
Debt trap illustration
A 2-page illustration of key findings and recommendations from The debt trap report.
