Resources: Review - Fresh insight into independent living policies

The evidence is a longitudinal study, commissioned by Newcastle City Council, examining the experiences of 16- and 17-year-olds in the year after their tenancy began. The factors affecting these young people are considered under three themes: individual failings, such as life skills and budgeting; structural failings, such as lack of employment, low income and rehousing in disadvantaged areas; and failings in informal support, such as isolation. Harding is also concerned to establish the impact of gender within these categories.

Some of the findings back up received wisdom in housing and support: young people were more likely to succeed in areas where there was informal support from family and friends and low concerns about crime. Other findings offer new insights: young women's overconfidence and high expectations of independent living were linked to tenancy failure. Other findings challenge the assumptions of some key policy areas. One point is that 16- and 17-year-olds, particularly young women, participating in training or education, were likely to fail in an independent tenancy. Harding reflects it is simply one responsibility too many. He recommends an entitlement to claim benefits, if only for a short period at the start of a tenancy, could increase the chance of success.