Fair By Design
@fairbydesign.bsky.social
Ending the #PovertyPremium: the extra costs people on low incomes pay for essential products & services.
Pinned
Today marks the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy must be seen as an important first step that sets the direction of travel to ending the poverty premium and financial exclusion.
Read our full statement here: fairbydesign.com/response-uk-...
Read our full statement here: fairbydesign.com/response-uk-...
Our latest blog, written by members of our Lived Experience Panel, explores the language we use and asks 'What Does Lived Experience Really Mean?'
fairbydesign.com/blog-what-li...
fairbydesign.com/blog-what-li...
What Does ‘Lived Experience’ Really Mean? Our Panel’s Perspective
Our Lived Experience Panel shares what the term ‘lived experience’ means to them, why language matters, and how genuine inclusion shapes real policy change.
fairbydesign.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Our latest blog, written by members of our Lived Experience Panel, explores the language we use and asks 'What Does Lived Experience Really Mean?'
fairbydesign.com/blog-what-li...
fairbydesign.com/blog-what-li...
Some words from our Head of Policy, @mariacbooker.bsky.social, looking back at our Give Me Some Credit exhibition.
The article is a deep dive on the process we followed and looks at the value of involving people with lived experience in our work.
www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/g...
The article is a deep dive on the process we followed and looks at the value of involving people with lived experience in our work.
www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/g...
Fair By Design: Give me some credit
Fair By Design teamed up with the Poverty Alliance to document through photography the real-life stories of 14 people who had been denied affordable credit. Maria Booker reports...
www.civilsociety.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Some words from our Head of Policy, @mariacbooker.bsky.social, looking back at our Give Me Some Credit exhibition.
The article is a deep dive on the process we followed and looks at the value of involving people with lived experience in our work.
www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/g...
The article is a deep dive on the process we followed and looks at the value of involving people with lived experience in our work.
www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/g...
Reposted by Fair By Design
The Govt’s newly announced Warm Homes Plan sets out a new approach to fixing Britain’s coldest homes.
With £15 bn committed, the plan focuses on helping households cut energy waste and reduce their reliance on expensive gas, through a mix of insulation, clean heating and home-grown power.
[1/3]
With £15 bn committed, the plan focuses on helping households cut energy waste and reduce their reliance on expensive gas, through a mix of insulation, clean heating and home-grown power.
[1/3]
January 21, 2026 at 12:09 PM
The Govt’s newly announced Warm Homes Plan sets out a new approach to fixing Britain’s coldest homes.
With £15 bn committed, the plan focuses on helping households cut energy waste and reduce their reliance on expensive gas, through a mix of insulation, clean heating and home-grown power.
[1/3]
With £15 bn committed, the plan focuses on helping households cut energy waste and reduce their reliance on expensive gas, through a mix of insulation, clean heating and home-grown power.
[1/3]
Disappointed to see that the Government White Paper on water does not include proposals for a national water social tariff.
This means people on low incomes will continue to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bills, forcing them into potential water cutbacks.
This means people on low incomes will continue to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bills, forcing them into potential water cutbacks.
Without urgent action, almost one million pensioner households will be in water poverty by 2029–30. The UK Govt has missed a major opportunity to tackle this crisis.
No one should be forced to ration their water use. We need a national water social tariff.
www.independentage.org/news-media/p...
No one should be forced to ration their water use. We need a national water social tariff.
www.independentage.org/news-media/p...
January 20, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Disappointed to see that the Government White Paper on water does not include proposals for a national water social tariff.
This means people on low incomes will continue to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bills, forcing them into potential water cutbacks.
This means people on low incomes will continue to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bills, forcing them into potential water cutbacks.
New research from The Centre for Responsible Credit finds that millions of people are cutting back on essentials like food & heat, and avoiding support in order to preserve their credit scores.
Full report👇
www.responsible-credit.org.uk/reports/good...
Full report👇
www.responsible-credit.org.uk/reports/good...
Good Score, Empty Cupboard
Many low-to-middle income households see maintaining a “good” credit score as vital, often sacrificing essentials to protect it. Credit score apps and dashboards can amplify this pressure. A survey of...
www.responsible-credit.org.uk
January 19, 2026 at 3:55 PM
New research from The Centre for Responsible Credit finds that millions of people are cutting back on essentials like food & heat, and avoiding support in order to preserve their credit scores.
Full report👇
www.responsible-credit.org.uk/reports/good...
Full report👇
www.responsible-credit.org.uk/reports/good...
Brilliant support for the Fair Banking Act from @gareththomasmp.bsky.social, proud to be part of the campaign 👊
"A Fair Banking Act is a common sense, proportionate measure which could have transformative benefits for businesses and communities across the UK, and I commend this Bill to the House."
👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct
👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct
January 16, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Brilliant support for the Fair Banking Act from @gareththomasmp.bsky.social, proud to be part of the campaign 👊
Reposted by Fair By Design
"A Fair Banking Act is a common sense, proportionate measure which could have transformative benefits for businesses and communities across the UK, and I commend this Bill to the House."
👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct
👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct
January 15, 2026 at 9:51 AM
"A Fair Banking Act is a common sense, proportionate measure which could have transformative benefits for businesses and communities across the UK, and I commend this Bill to the House."
👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct
👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct
Reposted by Fair By Design
Fitting that my first post is to celebrate my brilliant colleague @mariacbooker.bsky.social contribution to this piece on interest rate caps on @bigissue.com
Affordable credit is crucial - and we know people in poverty pay more to borrow money. But to fix this we need to look at the big picture 👇
Affordable credit is crucial - and we know people in poverty pay more to borrow money. But to fix this we need to look at the big picture 👇
“If you get the line wrong, firms will simply withdraw products and then people are pushed towards other sources of credit."
Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social is quoted in the @bigissue.com discussing why interest rate caps alone aren’t enough to tackle the cost of credit.
Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social is quoted in the @bigissue.com discussing why interest rate caps alone aren’t enough to tackle the cost of credit.
Will Donald Trump's plan to cap interest rates on credit card debt really lead to "AFFORDABILITY?" We asked the experts.
January 14, 2026 at 10:42 AM
Fitting that my first post is to celebrate my brilliant colleague @mariacbooker.bsky.social contribution to this piece on interest rate caps on @bigissue.com
Affordable credit is crucial - and we know people in poverty pay more to borrow money. But to fix this we need to look at the big picture 👇
Affordable credit is crucial - and we know people in poverty pay more to borrow money. But to fix this we need to look at the big picture 👇
“If you get the line wrong, firms will simply withdraw products and then people are pushed towards other sources of credit."
Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social is quoted in the @bigissue.com discussing why interest rate caps alone aren’t enough to tackle the cost of credit.
Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social is quoted in the @bigissue.com discussing why interest rate caps alone aren’t enough to tackle the cost of credit.
Will Donald Trump's plan to cap interest rates on credit card debt really lead to "AFFORDABILITY?" We asked the experts.
Trump wants to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. Will it really work?
www.bigissue.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:32 AM
“If you get the line wrong, firms will simply withdraw products and then people are pushed towards other sources of credit."
Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social is quoted in the @bigissue.com discussing why interest rate caps alone aren’t enough to tackle the cost of credit.
Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social is quoted in the @bigissue.com discussing why interest rate caps alone aren’t enough to tackle the cost of credit.
Shifting Warm Home Discount costs from standing charges to unit rates is fairer for everyone as it gives people more control over costs. Combined with energy measures in the 2025 Budget it will mean low-income households aren't worse off. Full response: fairbydesign.com/wp-content/u...
January 6, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Shifting Warm Home Discount costs from standing charges to unit rates is fairer for everyone as it gives people more control over costs. Combined with energy measures in the 2025 Budget it will mean low-income households aren't worse off. Full response: fairbydesign.com/wp-content/u...
We’ll be taking a brief break over the festive period and returning in the new year, ready to continue our work ending the poverty premium.
We’re grateful for the partners, collaborators, and advocates who have worked alongside us this year, see you in 2026 ❤️
We’re grateful for the partners, collaborators, and advocates who have worked alongside us this year, see you in 2026 ❤️
December 23, 2025 at 10:07 AM
We’ll be taking a brief break over the festive period and returning in the new year, ready to continue our work ending the poverty premium.
We’re grateful for the partners, collaborators, and advocates who have worked alongside us this year, see you in 2026 ❤️
We’re grateful for the partners, collaborators, and advocates who have worked alongside us this year, see you in 2026 ❤️
Last week the Government launched its Motor Insurance Taskforce's Final Report.
Read our full response 👇
fairbydesign.com/motor-insura...
Read our full response 👇
fairbydesign.com/motor-insura...
December 18, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Last week the Government launched its Motor Insurance Taskforce's Final Report.
Read our full response 👇
fairbydesign.com/motor-insura...
Read our full response 👇
fairbydesign.com/motor-insura...
Reposted by Fair By Design
Huge thanks to @guardianheather.bsky.social for highlighting the call for a #FairBankingAct to bring banks together with #creditunions and #CDFIs to ensure people can access #affordablecredit when they need it.
bit.ly/44dqFAv
@coopparty.party.coop
bit.ly/44dqFAv
@coopparty.party.coop
Forcing UK banks to support credit unions would help keep loan sharks at bay | Heather Stewart
High street banks dodged a windfall tax – now they should invest in growth of local lenders
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Huge thanks to @guardianheather.bsky.social for highlighting the call for a #FairBankingAct to bring banks together with #creditunions and #CDFIs to ensure people can access #affordablecredit when they need it.
bit.ly/44dqFAv
@coopparty.party.coop
bit.ly/44dqFAv
@coopparty.party.coop
Today is the final day at Fair By Design for our amazing colleague Camila, who has been an integral part of our work over the past three years. We’re grateful to Camila for everything she’s contributed to our work and wish her well in her next chapter.
December 9, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Today is the final day at Fair By Design for our amazing colleague Camila, who has been an integral part of our work over the past three years. We’re grateful to Camila for everything she’s contributed to our work and wish her well in her next chapter.
Access to a car can open doors to jobs, education & healthcare, but our latest data snapshot showed that rising insurance costs are shutting people out of the market.
We’ve created a one-page explainer that shows the key drivers of why people on low incomes can't access affordable car insurance.
We’ve created a one-page explainer that shows the key drivers of why people on low incomes can't access affordable car insurance.
December 8, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Access to a car can open doors to jobs, education & healthcare, but our latest data snapshot showed that rising insurance costs are shutting people out of the market.
We’ve created a one-page explainer that shows the key drivers of why people on low incomes can't access affordable car insurance.
We’ve created a one-page explainer that shows the key drivers of why people on low incomes can't access affordable car insurance.
Today’s publication of the Child Poverty Strategy reflects a much-needed commitment to improving the lives of children across the UK. Child poverty has a devastating effect on children’s lives today and limits their opportunities for the future.
Families to be offered help to leave temporary accommodation under UK child poverty strategy
Families to be offered help to leave temporary accommodation under UK child poverty strategy
Government says series of measures, including childcare support, will lift 500,000 out of poverty
Families will be offered help to get out of temporary accommodation and support with childcare as part of the government’s delayed child poverty strategy, with ministers saying the entire package will lift more than half a million children out of poverty.
The new proposals in a strategy that was originally due to come out in the spring are in addition to the abolition of the two-child limit for some benefits, which will have the greatest impact on poverty, at a cost of £3bn during this parliament. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Today’s publication of the Child Poverty Strategy reflects a much-needed commitment to improving the lives of children across the UK. Child poverty has a devastating effect on children’s lives today and limits their opportunities for the future.
We’re very excited to have Laura Aznar Herranz join us as our new Public Affairs Manager. Laura joins us from Chance UK & brings a wealth of experience in public affairs ensuring that the voices and knowledge of people with lived experience at the heart of decision-making 🎉 😀
December 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
We’re very excited to have Laura Aznar Herranz join us as our new Public Affairs Manager. Laura joins us from Chance UK & brings a wealth of experience in public affairs ensuring that the voices and knowledge of people with lived experience at the heart of decision-making 🎉 😀
Initial thoughts on the #Budget’s impact on the poverty premium 🧵🧵🧵
There are positives on energy bills support and removing the two-child benefit cap, but much more must be done to lift people out of poverty and reduce low-income households’ bills.
There are positives on energy bills support and removing the two-child benefit cap, but much more must be done to lift people out of poverty and reduce low-income households’ bills.
November 26, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Initial thoughts on the #Budget’s impact on the poverty premium 🧵🧵🧵
There are positives on energy bills support and removing the two-child benefit cap, but much more must be done to lift people out of poverty and reduce low-income households’ bills.
There are positives on energy bills support and removing the two-child benefit cap, but much more must be done to lift people out of poverty and reduce low-income households’ bills.
Everyone deserves a warm home. On #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay, we urge the Government to act by making energy affordable for all with proper bill support and long-term investment in energy efficiency.
November 26, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Everyone deserves a warm home. On #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay, we urge the Government to act by making energy affordable for all with proper bill support and long-term investment in energy efficiency.
Reposted by Fair By Design
The government has published their Financial Inclusion Strategy. What comes next?
#FinancialInclusion #AffordableCredit #FairBankingAct #CommunityFinance #FairBankingForAll
@thefinancelab.bsky.social @fairbydesign.bsky.social
financeinnovationlab.org/the-governme...
#FinancialInclusion #AffordableCredit #FairBankingAct #CommunityFinance #FairBankingForAll
@thefinancelab.bsky.social @fairbydesign.bsky.social
financeinnovationlab.org/the-governme...
The government has published their Financial Inclusion Strategy. What comes next? - Finance Innovation Lab
At the end of October, I sat in a room in Glasgow with seven remarkable people. Each of them has had to ask a bank for help at some point, and each of them has been turned away. I listened as they tal...
financeinnovationlab.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The government has published their Financial Inclusion Strategy. What comes next?
#FinancialInclusion #AffordableCredit #FairBankingAct #CommunityFinance #FairBankingForAll
@thefinancelab.bsky.social @fairbydesign.bsky.social
financeinnovationlab.org/the-governme...
#FinancialInclusion #AffordableCredit #FairBankingAct #CommunityFinance #FairBankingForAll
@thefinancelab.bsky.social @fairbydesign.bsky.social
financeinnovationlab.org/the-governme...
Today’s energy price cap means people paying by Standard Credit, those who pay after receiving their bill, will pay £136 more each year, simply because of the way they pay.
November 21, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Today’s energy price cap means people paying by Standard Credit, those who pay after receiving their bill, will pay £136 more each year, simply because of the way they pay.
Access to a car isn’t just about convenience. It helps people get a decent job, attend a good college and access healthcare. That’s why it’s so unjust that high insurance premiums are pricing many low-income households out.
November 20, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Access to a car isn’t just about convenience. It helps people get a decent job, attend a good college and access healthcare. That’s why it’s so unjust that high insurance premiums are pricing many low-income households out.
We've co-signed a letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, alongside energy companies and charities warning her that cutting energy efficiency schemes in the budget would be damaging for people and planet.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Cutting home insulation funding will imperil UK’s climate goals, Reeves told
Energy firms and charities urge chancellor to avoid short-term fix that could also harm low-income households
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
We've co-signed a letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, alongside energy companies and charities warning her that cutting energy efficiency schemes in the budget would be damaging for people and planet.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
This would be a huge mistake🚩
The Warm Homes Plan is a vital step towards making homes more energy efficient and reducing bills for those on low incomes.
The Warm Homes Plan is a vital step towards making homes more energy efficient and reducing bills for those on low incomes.
🚨 Reports suggest the Chancellor is preparing to divert funds from the flagship £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan in the Budget.
This funding was meant to add to existing schemes not replace them.
www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk/energy-effic...
This funding was meant to add to existing schemes not replace them.
www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk/energy-effic...
Cuts of 40% to energy efficiency measures considered by Chancellor
Moves to cut funding that helps improve energy efficiency and ends cold damp homes would be an "act of betrayal" by the Government.
www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 2:11 PM
This would be a huge mistake🚩
The Warm Homes Plan is a vital step towards making homes more energy efficient and reducing bills for those on low incomes.
The Warm Homes Plan is a vital step towards making homes more energy efficient and reducing bills for those on low incomes.
Today marks the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy must be seen as an important first step that sets the direction of travel to ending the poverty premium and financial exclusion.
Read our full statement here: fairbydesign.com/response-uk-...
Read our full statement here: fairbydesign.com/response-uk-...
November 5, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Today marks the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy must be seen as an important first step that sets the direction of travel to ending the poverty premium and financial exclusion.
Read our full statement here: fairbydesign.com/response-uk-...
Read our full statement here: fairbydesign.com/response-uk-...