Marvin OnumonuEmployment among social housing residents has risen, but health issues, caring duties and expensive childcare are still holding people back, research by Clarion Housing Group found.
The latest Clarion Index, based on feedback from over 2,000 residents, showed 56% of working-age residents were in work, up from 50% last year.
Unemployment among working-age residents stood at 15%, three times the national average.
Nearly one in five working-age residents were not working due to illness or disability.
Two-thirds of residents not in work cited poor health or disability as the main reason, followed by caring responsibilities at 20% and childcare costs or availability at 6%.
Among those in work but wanting more hours, 22% said family commitments, including childcare, stopped them from working more.
The number of households in financial difficulty dropped to 50% from 58% last year, with fewer residents struggling with food and energy bills.
The report comes after changes such as the removal of the two-child benefit limit and a rise in the National Living Wage.
Clare Miller, CEO of Clarion Housing Group, said: “This year’s Clarion Index shows signs of progress as households begin to recover from recent economic pressures, but it also highlights the deep-rooted structural barriers that continue to prevent many from thriving, alongside the ongoing cost of living pressures that are still straining household budgets.
“The Budget’s removal of the two-child limit and the rise in the National Living Wage are positive steps that will make a real difference for struggling families, but deeper reform is needed to tackle the causes of poverty and open up opportunity.
“While it’s encouraging to see an improved outlook for many of our residents, we know there is more to do.”
Miller added: “We look forward to continuing to work with partners and policymakers to help residents build better lives and strengthen communities across the country.”
The Government’s Keep Britain Working Review identified ill-health, disability and caring responsibilities as main reasons for economic inactivity and called for a joined-up approach from employers, health services and community groups.
Clarion said it will keep working with partners to make sure national changes turn into real support for residents.
Clarion Futures, the group’s charitable foundation, helped 1,724 residents into jobs in the last year, including 73 new business start-ups, while the money guidance team supported over 4,000 people with debt and budgeting advice.
Kate Still, chief customer officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “Behind every statistic are real families trying to get ahead but being held back by circumstances beyond their control.
“Through our frontline services and extensive community investment, we’re providing practical, personalised support to our residents while working with them to create places they are proud to call home and where they feel they have a real stake in shaping the future.
“While this year’s findings show progress, we know challenges remain, and we’ll keep working alongside residents to overcome them together.”
The research also found improvements in wellbeing and community connection.
84% of residents were satisfied with their neighbourhoods and 86% felt they belonged.
Feelings of safety increased to 79%.
The number of residents volunteering also rose after years of decline.
