The cost of living crisis is reshaping the landscape of how social housing providers operate and further deepening the challenges of the communities we serve. This webinar looks beyond the headlines to explore the real, lived experiences of poverty in social housing and their profound implications for your organisation.
We’ll explore the hidden costs borne by both residents and housing associations, from operational pressures to staff wellbeing and community impact, and consider what effective strategic responses could look like in practice. How do we balance financial sustainability with social purpose? What governance questions should we be asking, and how can we use our influence to make a genuine difference?
What you will learn
- Understanding the Current Landscape of Poverty & Housing: an overview of poverty levels among social housing tenants and an understanding of who is most affected and why. We will look into the multiple factors that have come together to create a perfect storm and the impact the outcome has in real terms.
- The Real Cost to Residents: what impossible choices are facing your tenants, and recognise the interconnected physical and mental health impacts of financial stress. This section examines how poverty affects children and young people, contributing to the perpetuation of poverty cycles. Explore the social exclusion and isolation that compound material hardship.
- Hidden Costs to Housing Associations: The cost-of-living crisis creates operational challenges across your organisation, from rent arrears and growing demand for support services to the impact on property condition and maintenance, along with the potential reputational and regulatory risks associated with failing to respond effectively.
- Wider Systemic Costs: the broader economic and social impacts extend beyond individual households and your organisation, encompassing the considerable burden placed on health and social care services.
- Board Responsibilities and Solutions: explore the key questions to be asking about the impact of poverty on your organisation, identifying associated risks, and considering strategies for mitigation, while also reviewing resources available to support housing associations in their social mission.
Further Info
Presented by Hazel O’Halloran
Thursday 5 February 2026 | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Our Webinars last 1 hour and are interactive; people can ask questions of the presenter and other attendees. If you or your organisation have a Webinar subscription you will be sent a link to join this Webinar prior to the session.
Fees:
This session is free for Webinar subscribers.
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