This blog reproduces evidence submitted to the House of Lords Select Committee on National Policy for the Built Environment by I-SPHERE Professors Glen Bramley, Neil Dunse and Chris Leishman.
News
The reconnection of rough sleepers: a complicated ‘game of chicken’?
Research from I-SPHERE and the University of York highlights a disconnect between recognised good practice and what often happens ‘on the ground’ during the ‘reconnection’ of rough sleepers in England.
Destitution in the UK – Interim Report published
In this interim report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, I-SPHERE researchers propose a definition of destitution endorsed by the public and set out plans for a national census of destitution across the UK.
The most deprived areas have borne the brunt of local government budget cuts
A Joseph Rowntree Foundation report from researchers at the University of Glasgow and Heriot Watt’s I-SPHERE shows that the most deprived areas of England have seen the largest cuts in funding since 2010. The
Homelessness minister forced to respond to I-SPHERE research
New I-SPHERE research monitoring of the impact of economic and policy developments on homelessness has provoked a strong reaction from Government. Here, Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick responds to the Homelessness Minister’s comments.
Hard Edges cut through eternal standoff on social policy
New research mapping severe and multiple disadvantage in England shines a new and striking light on centuries old debate about whether poor people owe their circumstances to structural economic factors or to moral/behavioural failings.
The ‘Feeding Britain’ report: Deeper into the woods?
As the lead investigator on the ‘Overview of Food Aid Provision in Scotland’ study and the ‘Review of the Scottish Welfare Fund’, Dr. Filip Sosenko comments on a recent Westminister enquiry on food poverty.
Having a legal right to settled accommodation empowers homeless people in Scotland
Scotland is very unusual in granting virtually all homeless people a legal entitlement to settled accommodation. Beth Watts asks what difference such legal rights really make to experiences of homelessness.
A wasted opportunity – the Smith Commission and Housing
The Smith Commission has left the Scottish Parliament with no ability to redesign Housing Benefit. Professor Mark Stephens argues that this is a wasted opportunity.
Soaring rent rises to leave nearly 6 million private renters living in poverty by 2040
The rising cost of private rents will put the next generation at a much greater risk of poverty, and may result in major increases to Housing Benefit costs.