Project overview
This project sought to improve the lives of households in housing debt and at threat of eviction by identifying ways to improve meaningful communication between them and their housing provider, thereby reducing the likelihood of court proceedings and eviction. Funded by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, the project ran from 1 October 2022 - 31 July 2024.
Project aims
•To develop evidence-based proposals that will mitigate the risk of losing a home due to rent or mortgage arrears.
•To understand what barriers may prevent people from accessing help, and from engaging fully in debt management processes.
•To improve the range and quality of data on the experience of those in housing debt.
Project method
The project involved gathering data from those in housing debt to better understand the extent to which they can access sources of help and advice, and how they experience debt management systems and processes. To access this data, we worked with stakeholder groups across the UK to distribute an online survey aimed at those who have missed mortgage or rent payments. This survey closed in October 2023.
We also carried out in-depth case study research in Southampton, Birmingham, and Glasgow. In addition to those in housing debt, we interviewed those involved in the debt management process to explore how they attempt to communicate with and respond to those in debt. The research team also attended housing possession cases to gather data on issues such as whether the defendant attended their hearing or was represented, and the outcome of the possession case.
Project team
Lead Researcher: Professor Lisa Whitehouse
Research Fellow: Dr Tracey Varnava
Partners
This project is funded by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust.
The project team benefited from the experience and expertise of an Advisory Group of key stakeholders, including debt advisers, housing providers, regulatory and representative bodies, the Ministry of Justice, and academics.
Project contact
Contact the project team at homematters@soton.ac.uk
Project aims
•To develop evidence-based proposals that will mitigate the risk of losing a home due to rent or mortgage arrears.
•To understand what barriers may prevent people from accessing help, and from engaging fully in debt management processes.
•To improve the range and quality of data on the experience of those in housing debt.
Project method
The project involved gathering data from those in housing debt to better understand the extent to which they can access sources of help and advice, and how they experience debt management systems and processes. To access this data, we worked with stakeholder groups across the UK to distribute an online survey aimed at those who have missed mortgage or rent payments. This survey closed in October 2023.
We also carried out in-depth case study research in Southampton, Birmingham, and Glasgow. In addition to those in housing debt, we interviewed those involved in the debt management process to explore how they attempt to communicate with and respond to those in debt. The research team also attended housing possession cases to gather data on issues such as whether the defendant attended their hearing or was represented, and the outcome of the possession case.
Project team
Lead Researcher: Professor Lisa Whitehouse
Research Fellow: Dr Tracey Varnava
Partners
This project is funded by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust.
The project team benefited from the experience and expertise of an Advisory Group of key stakeholders, including debt advisers, housing providers, regulatory and representative bodies, the Ministry of Justice, and academics.
Project contact
Contact the project team at homematters@soton.ac.uk
Staff
Lead researchers
Collaborating research institutes, centres and groups
Research outputs
Lisa Whitehouse & Tracey Varnava,
2024, Conveyancer and Property Lawyer
Type: article
Lisa Whitehouse & Tracey Varnava,
2024
Type: report
Partners
