Library

A common operational European definition of over-indebtedness

145kb This paper sets out to identify the nature and causes of over-indebtedness, to review the definitions and measurement of over-indebtedness and to propose common definitions and indicators. (European Commission, 2008)

Alliance for Health & the Future's Demographic Study: living in the advice gap

1182kb This report, a partnership between the Alliance for Health in the Future and the Future Foundation, details the results of research into low earners who find themselves in an ‘advice-gap’: excluded from advice provided by the financial services industry, but unable to access state support. (Resolution Foundation, 2006)

An Open Memo to the Next Government: improving outcomes for low earners

2105kb This document sets out five priorities and proposes some long-term goals as well as immediate action we would like the new Government to take, including a focus on building financial health. (Resolution Foundation, 2010)

Characteristics of households in debt and the nature of indebtedness

576kb This study examined the nature and extent of debt in families compared with other groups, and looked at changes over time. The focus was especially on low-income groups and debt was defined as financial difficulties and arrears. (Corporate Document Services, 2004)

Close to Home: UK poverty and the economic downturn

365kb This paper sets out a pro-poor policy response to the recession that lays down the foundations for a more equitable, sustainable society. It argues that government action should be based upon a long-term vision of moving to a society based on sustainability, with good quality jobs that allow people to have a more secure livelihood, but also backed up by a welfare state safety net which neither traps people nor leaves them living in poverty. (Oxfam, 2009)

Closer to crisis? How low earners are coping in the recession

3740kb This report analyses how the economic downturn is affecting low earners and considers what more can be done to enable low earners to stay in work, in their homes and to maintain their fragile economic independence as the recession plays out. It also suggests ways to support low earners, including building capabilities. (Resolution Foundation, 2009)

Closing the Advice Gap: providing financial advice for people on low incomes

1558kb This report examines the demographic and financial characteristics of people on low to moderate incomes and investigates whether a new national resource could be established, funded through a public-private partnership, to provide generic financial advice targeted at this group. (Resolution Foundation, 2006)

Consumer Debt and Money Support: Q1 2012

1436kb This is the second in a quarterly analysis of key trends in the financial wellbeing of households in the UK. Specifically this analysis looks at how various groups are being disproportionately affected by the deteriorating state of the economy, in particular men, the very youngest and those in Northern England and parts if the West Midlands. The report highlights and investigates factors that impact on the young including: unemployment, stagnating incomes, debt, tuition fees and regional variations. The impact of these factors, coupled with an ageing population and studies which indicate that young people who spend time unemployed when younger earn less than their peers and already may be unable to reach a standard of living enjoyed by their parents.

Coping with low incomes and cold homes

495kb This report describes the findings of a study of the coping strategies of low income households in Great Britain, funded by eaga Charitable Trust. (Centre for Sustainable Energy, 2010)

Easy come, easy go: borrowing over the life cycle

658kb The overall aim of this project was to provide a better insight into life-cycle linked triggers of borrowing and from this, to examine how high levels of borrowing and financial difficulty might be mitigated or even prevented at different life-stages. (Standard Life, 2007)