YMCA England & Wales · 2023
This report by YMCA England & Wales examines how the benefits system creates barriers to employment for young people living in YMCA supported accommodation. Key findings include that Housing Benefit tapering financially penalises residents who take up paid work, that benefit levels — especially for under-25s — are too low to cover basic essentials, and that benefit sanctions frequently push young people into food insecurity and worsen their mental health. The report makes seven policy recommendations, including introducing a Universal Credit work allowance for supported accommodation residents, an Essentials Guarantee for benefits, and relaxing the sanctions regime for this cohort.