Social housing stigma is still a very real problem. Too often we hear lazy stereotypes around unemployment, accusations of ’working the system’ and ‘sink estates’.

 In fact, according to the Government’s 2023 English Housing Survey, just 7% of social renters are unemployed (compared with the national average of 4.2% in February 2024) more than four in 10 are in full or part-time work and the rest are retired, or unable to work due to a disability, illness or dependents.

Additionally, almost half (45%) of people living in social housing are single, without children. With average monthly UK rents of £1,200 (in London it’s £2,119) and average monthly salaries of £2,334 (according to Forbes), plus rising costs of living, it’s hardly surprising single people need affordable housing.