\n<\/p>\n
Sarah Knight, from the charity, said: “It’s huge. People are digging deep – the only other alternative is to enter loans which have a high interest rate and can lead to problems along the line.<\/p>\n
“It used to be people on benefits – now it’s not, it’s people from all walks of life. Reduced hours, higher bills – it affects everybody.<\/p>\n
“The foodbanks and pantries are on the increase and it’s the same with furniture – there are so many families struggling. <\/p>\n
“Some may not have a bed, they may have a couple of kids sharing a bed. It’s horrendous to think that we are in 2026 and to think this amount of poverty is still going on.”<\/p>\n
End Furniture Poverty is calling on the government to ensure 10% of social housing is let as furnished.<\/p>\n
A government spokesperson said in a statement: “No one should have to live without essential furniture in the place they call home.<\/p>\n
“We’re taking action to support renters by launching a \u00a31bn fund that can be used to help households get furniture.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n