Victims are being blocked from the security of social housing because of property-related debt rules, according to a new report.
The study, published by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in collaboration with King’s College London and Oxford Brookes University, examined how council and housing association allocation policies can disadvantage people fleeing abuse.
It sets out ways landlords’ policies and practices could be reformed to improve outcomes for survivors.
Stephanie Morphew, policy lead at CIH, said: ‘Debt and the costs associated with fleeing an abusive relationship can, and do, hinder survivors ability to access to safe, permanent housing.
‘Survivors of domestic abuse often face financial insecurity further compounded by economic abuse, the cost of living crisis and navigating the homelessness system.
‘This is a critical issue that requires meaningful action from the government and housing providers to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.’
The report draws on research by Mel Nowicki and Katherine Brickell, co-authors of Debt Trap Nation, who analysed housing allocation policies across local authorities in England.
Their findings suggest housing-related debt rules often trap survivors in temporary accommodation, stopping them from bidding for social housing until arrears are cleared. The report outlines this can compound trauma and delay emotional and financial recovery.
‘We know that economic coercion and control is a major component of domestic abuse, often leading to rent arrears and other forms of housing-related debt,’ Nowicki said. ‘And yet, across England, many allocation policies are in effect barring domestic abuse survivors from accessing social housing because of these debts.’
Brickell added: ‘In this report, we spotlight and celebrate the councils and housing associations who are proactively working to make valuable change by providing much needed support for survivors at risk of or experiencing homelessness.’’
Although recent legislation – including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 – has strengthened protections, the report highlights that many survivors remain disadvantaged while debt barriers persist.
CIH has made several recommendations including, reconsidering allocation policies, clearing arrears, introducing flexible funding schemes and improving prevention strategies.
The report also highlights cases where households are excluded from housing registers over debts as low as £250, despite £2.8bn being spent on temporary accommodation last year.
Alison Inman OBE, former CIH president, said: ‘Housing related debt should not be a barrier to safety and security. Economic abuse goes hand in hand with other forms of domestic abuse and this often leads to rent arrears. It is time to revisit allocation policies that stand in the way of domestic abuse survivors accessing council and housing association homes at the time they need them most.’
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