The phenomenon of ‘suburbanisation of poverty’ is a well-documented demographic trend, particularly in recent history. Driven by the increasing cost of living and stagnant incomes, low-income populations must move from inner cities to the suburbs and beyond. However, this trend is not exclusive to working-age individuals. Independent Age’s recent research, laid out in our new report, “No Place for Older Renters“, sheds light on how older people on low incomes are also part of the flight.
Our research
At Independent Age, we work to ensure that older people in financial hardship live in safe, secure, and suitable housing. As part of our commitment to this, we have tried to understand how the current housing crisis affects low-income older renters. Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions reveals a stark contrast, with 37% of pensioner households in income poverty after housing costs among private renters, compared to a significantly lower 13% among homeowner pensioner households.
Our recent research used census data from 2011 and 2021 to understand the changes in the landscape of older private and social renters across England. Our findings underscore a concerning reality: older renters are relocating from cities like London to coastal and rural areas that are often more deprived.
“So I’ve…had to start again, very much. I started again in Coventry, in Birmingham and now I’m starting again in Gloucester.” Madeline, 70
Potential drivers of this reality include rapidly increasing rental prices in the private rental sector and a shrinking of social housing stock.
An example of where this is playing out is the coastal town of Blackpool. Ranking in the top 10% of the most deprived areas in England, Blackpool experienced the most significant growth in older private renter households between 2011 and 2021. Conversely, we found that areas with the lowest proportion of older private renters in 2021 were also among the least deprived in the country.
Census data shows that outright ownership and private renting across England have increased amongst older households. This data, alongside our research showing that older private renters are more often found in highly deprived areas, suggests a growing inequality amongst those in later life.
Impact of moving home on mental and physical health
Research we conducted last year – talking to older private renters about their experiences – highlighted the strong desire of older private renters to remain in their homes and neighbourhoods for as long as possible. However, that research and this new analysis show that isn’t always possible. The forced movement of older private renters away from familiar communities to unfamiliar ones – often in more deprived areas – can have profound implications for the mental and physical health and wellbeing of people living on a low income in later life. It can distance them from established support networks, leading to increased loneliness, thereby elevating the risk of mental health issues. Moreover, there is a risk in these localities that people will struggle to find suitable housing, increasing the chances of isolation and injury within the home.
“The thought of having to move terrifies me, but it is a constant struggle, thinking, ‘how long will I be able to afford to stay here?’ you know? Every week.” Chris, 66, Cambridgeshire
Data from the English Housing Survey reveals alarming statistics: 28% of private renters aged 65-74 and 33% of those aged 75 and above live in non-decent homes. These figures correspond with UK Government data illustrating a high prevalence of damp and mould in deprived areas like Blackpool. An increasing concentration of older private renters in more deprived areas could also explain why older households who privately rent are more likely to self-report poor health (47%) than older households who own their home outright (41%).
Concentration in disadvantaged areas
Our findings align with the Chief Medical Officer’s latest annual report, highlighting a concentration of older renters in coastal, semi-rural, and peripheral areas. Unfortunately, these areas often lack robust public transport and easy access to other essential services. Given that older individuals are more likely to live with long-term health conditions and disabilities – which can require regular care – increasing the number of older renters in areas with already strained health services could exacerbate the problems in those areas and make life harder for older people who move there. Additionally, the lack of good public transport links is a significant concern, as these connections are vital for enabling independent living for older individuals who may no longer drive or have the ability to walk long distances easily.
Conclusion
The ‘suburbanisation of poverty’ among older renters in England is a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching implications for an individual’s overall wellbeing. As we witness this demographic shift, it is vital to consider the potential mental and physical health risks of forcing people to relocate, alongside the implications this could have on communities with already over-stretched services.
Addressing these issues requires investment across housing sectors. This includes ensuring that Local Housing Allowance is uprated annually so renters of all ages can afford their rent; that the Renters (Reform) Bill is passed, including the removal of Section 21, to give private renters more protections; and that there is an increase in the amount of social housing in both urban and rural areas.
