This project assessed the extent to which applicants to the FlexMyRent scheme were honest about their financial circumstances, and which disclosures were most predictive of success. Qualitative interviews indicate that the framing of FlexMyRent generated trust and this encouraged honest disclosure. Quantitative analysis points to the self-disclosure of existing debt burdens and rent account starting balance as the most important predictors of success.
We need urgent action to address Britain’s household debt crisis. Even before the Covid‑19 pandemic 7.2 million people (fourteen percent of the population) were heavily burdened by debt.