Our publications - 2021

Staying home and getting on: Tackling the challenges facing low to middle income families where young adults live with their parents This is a final report in a study looking at the situation of low to middle income households where young adults live with parents – a stage of life that is becoming the norm for a growing proportion of households in the UK. The report draws on interviews with young adults and parents and consultation with stakeholders to explore the challenges, benefits and implications of living together. Without a ‘bank of mum and dad’ to help them move out, young adults’ options are constrained by high housing costs and insecure employment and income, with situations exacerbated by the pandemic. The research highlights that living together can be beneficial, helping young adults to save compared to living independently, but their financial contributions can also be vital to help keep parents afloat. However, tension around finances, lack of space and difficult relationships can cause pressure and talking about household finances can be hard. The research shows how aspects of the social security system can add to challenges faced by low income families with a ‘non-dependent’ child living at home, and the report provides recommendations for policy and practice. Hill, K., Webber, R. and Hirsch, D. (2021) Staying Home and Getting On: Tackling the challenges facing low to middle income families where young adults live with their parents. Edinburgh: abrdn Financial Fairness Trust