No-one should live in a home without furniture

I am committed to supporting people facing financial hardship. 

Alongside the fantastic End Furniture Poverty campaign, I convened a Housing Summit that brought together key stakeholders from across the social housing sector, to drive policy change so that more social homes are let with essential furniture. This work is focused on improving living standards, reducing poverty and helping people build stable, dignified lives from day one in their homes. You can read more about this important campaign here.

Additionally, alongside my team of fantastic caseworkers I have been advocating for changes to social housing policy at the Stratford District Council level. We have asked the Council to make sure that people who need an overnight carer are given the right number of bedrooms, in line with welfare rules. We have also asked for the income limit for joining the Housing Register to be increased, as rents and the cost of living in our area are so high. We are concerned about plans to stop anyone with housing debts over £500 from bidding for a home, as this could leave people stuck in housing they cannot afford. Finally, we are asking the Council to clearly explain what medical evidence is needed, to recognise how costly and time-consuming it is to get letters from a GP or consultant, and to make sure that this evidence is properly considered.