Charity reuse sector facing unprecedented challenges amidst cost-of-living crisis

The charity reuse sector is filling the gap left by the closure of local welfare assistance schemes by providing furniture to those in need

The charity reuse sector, known for its vital role in reusing items and distributing them to those in need, is now facing a dual challenge: increased demand for its services and a sharp decrease in available resources.

The cost-of-living crisis has left many households struggling to make ends meet, leading to a surge in demand for affordable goods provided by charities; all whilst declining retail sales and people holding on to items for longer mean that donations to reuse charities have reduced substantially. 

The Reuse Network Social Impact Report 2023, shows that the number of households helped by its member charities has increased by 35%, as persistent issues such as poverty and austerity have pushed individuals and families into crisis. 

Furniture poverty continues to rise as the cost-of-living crisis deepens 

Furniture poverty, a distressing consequence of economic challenges, leaves households without the basic items they need to live comfortably. As households grapple with the financial strain of rising prices, many are forced to make difficult choices, including sacrificing essential furniture such as beds, sofas, or cookers. 

Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s recently published UK Poverty Report has found that more than 1 in 5 people in the UK were in poverty in 2021/22. With increased households plunged into poverty as a result of government cuts, reuse charities are stepping in to fill this void armed only with limited resources. 

According to data from the Reuse Network Social Impact Report, the reuse sector helped support 1.59 million households (up from 1.18 million households last year) gain access to the essential items they need to create a sustainable home, saving them £335.3 million compared to buying these items new. 

Fewer items are being made available for reuse

However, the report highlights that 2.6 million items were reused last year, down from 2.7 million in 2022, and down by almost 1 million items compared to data collected in 2019. These figures are a stark reflection of the worsening financial climate the UK is experiencing.  

Research conducted by End Furniture Poverty in 2023 revealed that in the United Kingdom, more than six million individuals are living without essential furniture, while over 1 million children lack a proper bed to sleep in, as reported by Barnardo’s. The imminent end of crisis support like the Household Support Fund, and the continuing cost of living crisis will only exacerbate these issues meaning that the year ahead may be even more challenging for those living in poverty and the charities that support them. 

“Reuse Network has been dealing with this social problem for over 30 years, and things have never been as tough as they are today. There is an urgent need for support and collaboration and we would welcome greater involvement with the Government to work together to break the cycle of poverty”.

“The reuse sector in the UK requires support to navigate this challenging landscape to ensure it can continue to provide essential goods and services to those in need. It is about having a strong and practical response to the current state of the UK and establishing collaboration and partnerships with each other and with external parties”, says Craig Anderson, CEO of Reuse Network.