Charities say they are “busier than ever” tackling furniture poverty
Charities across the UK say demand for basic household items has surged, leaving millions without essentials such as beds, cookers and fridges. BBC South visited the warehouse of Southampton‑based charity Scratch ahead of a series of deliveries, speaking to people and organisations in Hampshire about the growing crisis.
The national charity End Furniture Poverty estimates that roughly six million people in Britain are living without the furniture and appliances needed for a decent standard of living. A group of MPs has urged the government to devise a national strategy, arguing that a safe, secure and sustainable home must include access to these basics. The government responded that it is already taking steps, including a £1 billion fund aimed at helping renters acquire furniture.
One of those who have needed help is Yana Osibchuk, who arrived in the UK from Ukraine with her son, a dog and two suitcases after the war began. Placed in social housing, she described the flat as completely empty – no furniture, no cooker, no fridge and no flooring. She was referred to Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship, known as Scratch, and says the assistance “really changed my life”.
Her experience is far from unique. Most social housing is let unfurnished, and Scratch, which has been operating for 27 years, is now busier than ever. Managing director Mike Taylor told BBC South that the charity’s diary is “always chock‑a‑block” and that two vans leave the warehouse each day. He said rising pressure on household budgets is only one factor; many people arrive after crises such as domestic violence, loss of a relationship or other emergencies that leave them in unfurnished properties with children and no disposable income.
Scratch relies on donations and council grants to assemble furniture packs, which are sold to recipients at minimal cost. The charity does not deal directly with the public; it accepts referrals from local authorities, housing associations and professionals such as social workers.
End Furniture Poverty defines “furniture poverty” as the inability to obtain or afford essential household furniture or appliances needed for an acceptable standard of living. Director Claire Donovan explained that the lack of these items has harmful physical, emotional, social and financial effects, noting that it is a symptom of broader poverty. More than a quarter of social housing tenants are affected, yet only about three percent of units are let furnished. A survey by the charity found that 30 percent of people in furniture poverty reported impacts on their physical or mental health. Donovan added that not having a bed can ruin sleep, while lacking a cooker or fridge makes it impossible to store or prepare fresh food, creating constant stress that touches every part of daily life.
The problem is not confined to any single area. The Moving On Project in Portsmouth, which assists residents facing furniture poverty, sees desperate need every day. Sarah Knight, a spokesperson for the charity, said the issue has become “huge”. She warned that many people are forced to take high‑interest loans, and that the profile of those affected has broadened from benefit claimants to individuals from all walks of life who face reduced hours, higher bills and rising food‑bank usage. “Some families have no bed at all, or children sharing a single mattress. It is horrendous to think we are in 2026 and still see this level of poverty,” she said.
End Furniture Poverty is urging the government to ensure that at least 10 percent of social housing is let furnished. A government spokesperson replied, “No one should have to live without essential furniture in the place they call home. We are taking action to support renters by launching a £1 billion fund that can be used to help households get furniture.”