Destitution in the UK

The Destitution in the UK project, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, is a groundbreaking study into the nature, causes, and consequences of destitution across the UK. This longitudinal research provides a comprehensive picture of how extreme poverty manifests and who is most affected by it.

The project defines destitution as people lacking essentials such as food, shelter, and hygiene products. Through a combination of surveys, case studies, and in-depth interviews with individuals experiencing destitution, the research highlights the systemic barriers that perpetuate this form of poverty.

The project offers key recommendations for policy reform, focusing on improving social safety nets, addressing welfare gaps, and developing long-term strategies to eliminate destitution. The findings are used by government bodies, charities, and community organisations to implement targeted interventions aimed at lifting people out of extreme poverty.

This ongoing work is instrumental in shaping national conversations around poverty and has led to significant policy discussions aimed at improving social welfare and preventing destitution on a systemic level.

The Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) is renowned for its interdisciplinary research on poverty, housing, and social inequality. By uniting experts across fields such as social policy, law, and public health, I-SPHERE creates impactful research that addresses the root causes of disadvantage.

Heriot-Watt’s institute collaborates extensively with third-sector organisations, government bodies, and other research institutions, ensuring that its findings inform both policy and practice. I-SPHERE’s work is a key part of Heriot-Watt University’s broader mission to address global challenges through innovative and inclusive research initiatives.