Policy & Research
Our policy work contributes to systemic change towards a fairer social security and housing system, which guarantees access to legal entitlements, affordable housing, and the fundamental rights needed for a life free from poverty.
We are a member of several charity coalitions to bring together our collective knowledge, expertise and experience to develop and champion the practical solutions needed to tackle poverty.
- Disability Benefits Consortium – over 100 charities working together towards a fairer welfare system for disabled people.
- End Child Poverty Coalition – exists to hold the Government, and all main political parties, to account for their commitment to eradicate child poverty.
- Renters Reform Coalition – believes all renters deserve a safe, affordable and secure home, where they can live and flourish.
- Social Security Consortium – provide a space for charities working in the sector to update on their work, and any insights from meetings with Department for Work and Pensions officials.
- Cover The Cost Coalition – campaigns for Local Housing Allowance rates to cover the cost of rent to prevent homelessness.
- Anti-Social Security Cuts Coalition – organisations and activists coming together to oppose cuts to social security.
Policy & Research Library
Over The Hurdle: The case for replacing mandatory reconsideration
Briefing
Social Security
September 2026
The Timms Review of disability benefits rightly identified that improving trust in the PIP assessment process among disabled people is one of its key objectives. Ensuring that the process for challenging decisions and resolving disputes is seen as fair and meaningful is a critical part of this. This briefing evaluates the effectiveness of the mandatory reconsideration system in the context of PIP and sets out recommendations for reform to improve outcomes for disabled people.
Read More »Far From Home: Westminster's out-of-area temporary accommodation crisis
Briefing
Housing
September 2026
This briefing, co-produced with current and former residents of Westminster temporary accommodation, examines the impact that out-of-area placements can have on households and identifies practical steps that local authorities can take to reduce harm. Drawing on residents' testimony, case studies from Z2K's advice service and policy analysis, it finds that the consequences of out-of-area placements extend far beyond housing itself.
Read More »Prove It Again: The Cost of Unnecessary PIP Reassessments
Research
Social Security
June 2026
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reassessments aim to ensure accurate awards but often result in unnecessary reviews for claimants whose conditions have not changed. Yet around three-quarters of reviews lead to no change, and they impose significant stress, delays, and financial risks, while generating limited savings and high administrative costs. This report argues for reforms, including more ongoing awards, streamlined review processes focused on changes in need, and alternative assessment routes based on clinical evidence.
Read More »Z2K response to Timms Review call for evidence
Submission
Social Security
May 2026
Personal independence payment (PIP) is failing to ensure disabled people have access to adequate incomes, with inaccurate assessments, poor decision‑making and a lack of trust leaving many disabled people without essential support. This submission to the Timms Review of PIP calls for a redesigned system that is fairer, more transparent and rooted in lived experience, including improved use of evidence, more accurate eligibility criteria, and a less adversarial claims process.
Read More »No More Back Doors: Delivering New Renters' Rights to Challenge Unfair Rent Increases
Research
Housing
May 2026
Unreasonable rent increases have long acted as a ‘backdoor’ eviction route in the private rented sector, with many renters unable to challenge unaffordable rises. Although use of the first-tier tribunal process for challenging rent increases has been rare, evidence shows it is effective: most challenges succeed, often reducing rents, with property condition playing a major role. The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens protections and the tribunal’s role, but barriers such as low awareness, potential fees, and procedural complexity may limit impact. This report argues that further reforms, including improved enforcement and clearer hardship protections, are needed.
Read More »Z2K submission to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Poverty and Inequality’s inquiry on the Disproportionate Impact of Poverty and Inequality on Disabled People
Submission
Social Security
April 2026
The government’s proposed disability benefit reforms, particularly new restrictions on eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will deepen poverty among disabled people. Around 800,000 people stand to lose an average of £375 per month, with some facing much larger losses if linked support is also withdrawn. Drawing on frontline evidence and case studies, this submission argues the reforms are poorly targeted, risk pushing 300,000 more people into poverty, and should be abandoned in favour of meaningful reform of the disability benefits assessment system.
Read More »Fix the Five Basics – the cost of going without life’s essentials
Briefing
Housing
February 2026
Westminster City Council (WCC) faces a severe temporary accommodation (TA) crisis, with over 4,000 households affected. This impact briefing, co-produced with Z2K’s expert by experience group of WCC TA residents, sets out how many of those TA residents lack basic essentials – cooking facilities, Wi‑Fi, laundry, storage and information – which is harming their health, finances and employment. Residents often incur extra costs, face poor living conditions and receive limited support as a result. The ‘Fix the Five Basics’ campaign proposes practical, affordable measures, such as providing facilities, free Wi‑Fi, secure storage and clearer communication, to improve living standards and reduce long‑term costs for councils.
Read More »Why the Earned Settlement Plan Misses the Mark
Briefing
Social Security
February 2026
The government’s proposed ‘earned settlement’ reforms would extend the path to indefinite leave to remain and penalise migrants for accessing social security, including through longer qualifying periods and expanded NRPF rules. The briefing argues these measures misdiagnose barriers to work – such as discrimination, poor health, and language gaps – and risk increasing poverty and exclusion. By discouraging engagement with social security and employment support, the plans could undermine wider efforts to help people into work, ultimately entrenching disadvantage rather than boosting economic contribution.
Read More »Your MP is there to represent you in Parliament. If you want to contribute to discussions about adequate incomes and ensuring everyone is free from the burden of unaffordable costs, check out our guide to engaging with your MP.
If you want to discuss our policy work with a member of the team, get in touch via policycampaigns@z2k.org