New school year, but the fight for fairer housing goes on
Welcome back as the new school year begins. Throughout the summer, our focus on housing has revealed a system failing local people on multiple fronts.
Victoria Wan, Research & Campaigns Team
Our research uncovered how the current market has priced out private renters. We found just 1.4% of local rentals in the first half of 2025 were affordable for those relying on housing benefits. The frozen Local Housing Allowance, way out of balance with the market, has created huge monthly shortfalls.
At the same time, our work has revealed shocking cases of poor management in the social housing sector. We shared client stories exposing the daily stress and health risks of persistent mould and disrepair. We are also supporting vulnerable residents facing sudden, unmanageable debts due to years of poor communication from their council landlord about their housing costs.
A local housing crisis
These findings paint a clear picture of local housing crisis. We are now using this powerful evidence to lobby our MP, advocating for urgent improvements in both the quality and affordability of local housing.
The housing issues we see often link to wider challenges with debt and benefits.
To explore these and other cost-of-living questions, we invite you to join the upcoming Citizens Advice Data Insights: Unravelling Complexity to Raise Living Standards webinar on Thursday 25 September, 2–3pm. This event will explore joined-up approaches to policy in supporting people faster and raising living standards. Find out more and register here.
This post is in our August/September Newsletter published 3 September.