EDI
There are several important equality implications, especially given that women have a higher representation across social housing and are the primary care takers in most households.
• 67% of people accepted as statutory homelessness are women.
• 60% of adults in households claiming benefit are women.
• 57% of adults in social housing are women.
(UK Women’s Budget Group)
The above reflecting the fact women have lower incomes and lower capital. A recent Senedd report by the Bevan Foundation on food poverty also described women’s role as ‘shock absorbers’ in the system.
Food poverty/security increased fourfold post pandemic (Trussell Trust)
Other studies have shown improvements in household welfare depend not only on level of income, but also who earns it. Even if people can afford and access needs are met, the ability and opportunity to prepare food is important to food security. The many factors include lack of infrastructure to store and prepare food, energy costs of cooking, lack of skills and time to cook.
Whilst most adversely impacted it is not only women but also other groups such as adults limited by severe disability are three times more affected, as are ethnic minority households disproportionately. (Food Foundation)
(Annual Social Housing Surveys highlight households contain at least one or more person with a registered disability or life limiting illness.)
Food poverty/security has a huge impact on the work and role of housing associations.