Policy implications

Recommendations to those providing direct services to low-income households - community groups, advice/support organisations, council support - and decision-makers at the local and national level:

1. Listen to residents and connect services services

Participants’ financial lives are as complex as their regular lives and they need community-centred holistic support that looks at the larger picture – from childcare to financial services and access to community support – rather than having to navigate insular and inflexible services.

2. More money now – better employment opportunities and childcare in the long-term

Even though interviews were conducted at the beginning of rapidly rising inflation, participants were already struggling with rising food, energy and petrol costs and described the effect it had on their lives – from taking on additional debt to skipping meals to creating mental health issues. More cash is needed urgently in the short-term while in the long-term, childcare and support for training or certification are crucial to get people out of unemployment or precarious low-paid employment and enable them to earn a living wage.

3. Invest in infrastructure: housing, health care, and childcare and support

Overcrowded and outdated housing is a key concern for many participants, creating additional cost by making it impossible to shop in bulk or increasing energy costs due to poor heating. Health issues both increase spending and limit opportunities to gain income for many and over and over parents identified a lack of support for children as a key cost driver and barrier to employment.

4. Strengthening communities and families pays off

Participants rely strongly on informal networks – the local corner shop providing food on credit, a family member stepping in when money runs out at the end of the month, a neighbour supporting with benefit applications and contacts to support organisations. However, a lack of community spaces and support for families is making it harder to build these networks.