Stronger shock absorbers

Savings are supposed to be the first line of defence against financial shocks. But in reality, millions of families across Britain don’t have enough to be more than a few pay-days away from trouble. For many low-income households in particular, the focus is less about building up savings and more avoiding the building up of debts and arrears. All of this can leave families vulnerable to one-off costs such as a car break-down or bust boiler – let alone bigger shocks such as redundancy.

How financially resilient are the 13 million low-to-middle income families that make up Unsung Britain? After the cost of living crisis and the rise of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ schemes, how many families are in problem debt? How can those on lower incomes be encouraged to save more? And how should we deal with the large rise in rent, council tax and utilities arrears?

The Resolution Foundation is hosting an in-person and interactive webinar to debate and answer these questions. Following a presentation of the key highlights from the latest report in Unsung Britain – a 12-month project focused on better understanding low-to-middle income Britain – supported by JPMorganChase – we will hear from leading experts on the challenges facing lower-income families when it comes to financial resilience.

The event will be open for people to physically attend, alongside being broadcast via YouTube and the Resolution Foundation website. Viewers will be able to submit questions to the panel before and during the event via Slido.