The Fusion21 Foundation Invests in Research Blueprint for Furniture Provision in Social Housing

The Fusion21 Foundation is delighted to have invested in End Furniture Poverty’s latest research report, ‘A Blueprint for Furniture Provision in Social Housing.’

Published today, the report provides a template business case for furnished tenancies and guidance for social landlords. It also outlines the benefits if more were to be done to increase the number of furnished rented properties available.

Jo Hannan, Foundation Manager at Fusion21 said: “We’re proud to have funded this important guide to support innovation in social housing and to create wider opportunities for policy advocacy - highlighting not just where but how changes could be made to help end furniture poverty.

“One of the Foundation’s main objectives is to make a visible impact in the area of financial inclusion and resilience. By working with End Furniture Poverty, this report and its findings shine a beacon of light on the experiences of those living in social housing, where around 50% of tenants are already living in poverty and unable to afford basic furniture or white goods.

“End Furniture Poverty is experiencing increasing demand from housing associations who are keen to explore furnished tenancies, at a time when support for communities and those in need of essential furniture items is needed more than ever. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, more still needs to be done to help those already burdened with fuel and food poverty worries.”

Claire Donovan, Head of Policy, Research and Campaigns for End Furniture Poverty, added: “We have been supporting social landlords who are interested in furnished tenancies for several years, helping them to prepare business cases and also raising awareness of the huge benefits furnished tenancies can offer both tenants and landlords.

“Thanks to funding from the Fusion21 Foundation, we have been able to take this to a new level by compiling this detailed guide, speaking to dozens of social landlords and putting together a compelling case for every social landlord to provide essential furniture to their tenants.”

All views expressed in this report are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Fusion21 Foundation.