Dr Alison Jarvis JRF Programme Manager Housing and Social Inclusion: old issues; new research Picture credit: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Today's Structure: Where JRF come from Old issues, new research… –Space –Homelessness –Initial access … and implications of welfare reform old issues; new research
Where we come from
Our founder
JRF's origins: The Village Trust
Place issues still central: Why? The place where someone lives is central to their quality of life.
Space
"What should we worry about when we worry about housing problems?" Britain’s housing system is in crisis. However it was also in crisis twenty years ago when Rebecca Tunstall began working in research, and a century ago when Joseph Rowntree established his trusts in York. Britain’s residents and those who make housing policy face numerous, reoccurring and sometimes contradictory housing problems – high costs, falling prices, insecurity, immobility, low quality and rising expectations. Introduction to inaugural lecture by Rebecca Tunstall
Space distribution: In absolute terms, overcrowding has improved dramatically over the course of the last century But how has available space fared in relative terms? Gap between top and bottom bears comparison with another era: Source: Rebecca Tunstall, 2012
Housing problems amongst families with disabled children: Source: Oldman & Beresford, 2003
Homelessness
Statutory Homelessness… Source: Martin Evan's blog
Visible Homelessness… 'Visible' homelessness commonly happens after long-term contact with non-housing organisations e.g. mental health, drug agencies, criminal justice, social services. Traumatic childhood experiences (homelessness, abuse, neglect) feature in most street homeless people's life histories. In adulthood, reported incidence of mental ill-being is high: –80% of people using homelessness support services experience anxiety/depression –Over 33% have attempted suicide … more than a housing issue. Source: JRF/ESRC programme 2011
Complex Lives… Source: Fitzpatrick et al. Census Questionnaire Survey, % homelessness 47% 70% substance misuse 67% street culture 62% institutional setting
Initial Access
Source: Clapham et al 2011 Predictions for young people (aged 18-30) in 2020…
Source: Clapham et al, 2011 A differential private rented sector…
The ‘so what?’ question… Without fundamental reform to the housing system to create suitable options, young people in 2020 will be increasingly marginalised in a badly functioning housing system; Three groups of young people will be particularly hard hit: Source: Clapham et al, 2011 Young families Young people with support needs Young people on low incomes
… and Welfare Reform
Welfare Reform MeasureResearch Question Bedroom TaxIs this likely to help or hinder a more equal distribution of space? Does this matter? Benefits CapIs this likely to help or hinder someone living on the streets? Does this matter? Non-Dependent deductionsIs this likely to ease young people's transitions into their own place? Does this matter?
STAYING IN TOUCH… Website: Thank you for listening