Prof Katherine Brickell
@kbrickell.bsky.social
Prof Urban Studies KCL | Author Debt Trap Nation: Family Homelessness in a Failing State (2025) | Housing/Home/Law | UK & Cambodia | Editor Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers | Views own | https://www.debt-trap-nation.org/book
Pinned
Published today on #WorldHomelessDay: my book Debt Trap Nation – a deep dive into how government policy is driving families into homelessness & debt.
All royalties to @seacharity.bsky.social 💜
Families aren't failing. They're being failed.
📖 www.agendapub.com/page/detail/...
#DebtTrapNation
All royalties to @seacharity.bsky.social 💜
Families aren't failing. They're being failed.
📖 www.agendapub.com/page/detail/...
#DebtTrapNation
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Exclusive: Almost half of families flagged as emigrants based on Home Office travel data were still living in UK
Home Office travel records used in a trial of a controversial anti-fraud crackdown that under which thousands of parents lost their child benefit were so flawed that almost half of the families initially flagged as having emigrated were still living in the UK, it has emerged.
The pilot scheme saved HMRC £17m but left 46% of families targeted incorrectly suspected of fraud, a margin of error far in excess of the 1% to 5% scientifically acceptable. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:08 PM
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
I can’t envisage a child poverty strategy which garners any credibility without fully scrapping the two-child limit.
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
November 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I can’t envisage a child poverty strategy which garners any credibility without fully scrapping the two-child limit.
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
🪅 HOW EXCITING IS THIS! 🪅
So delighted that George Small has won the Brenda Trenowden Feminist Analysis Essay prize.
'Home is where the art is: Trans* self-portraiture as a praxis of homemaking' was written for my 3rd year UG course 'Geographies of Home'.
So delighted that George Small has won the Brenda Trenowden Feminist Analysis Essay prize.
'Home is where the art is: Trans* self-portraiture as a praxis of homemaking' was written for my 3rd year UG course 'Geographies of Home'.
Celebrating the 2025 Brenda Trenowden Feminist Analysis Essay Prize Winners 🎉
Humayra Ismail
Ida Di Stasio
George Small
Read their winning essays: www.kcl.ac.uk/giwl/assets/...
Humayra Ismail
Ida Di Stasio
George Small
Read their winning essays: www.kcl.ac.uk/giwl/assets/...
November 7, 2025 at 5:38 PM
🪅 HOW EXCITING IS THIS! 🪅
So delighted that George Small has won the Brenda Trenowden Feminist Analysis Essay prize.
'Home is where the art is: Trans* self-portraiture as a praxis of homemaking' was written for my 3rd year UG course 'Geographies of Home'.
So delighted that George Small has won the Brenda Trenowden Feminist Analysis Essay prize.
'Home is where the art is: Trans* self-portraiture as a praxis of homemaking' was written for my 3rd year UG course 'Geographies of Home'.
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
SAVE GEOGRAPHY at Leicester University (UK) - We call on the University of Leicester to urgently reconsider the proposal to dissolve Geography. This is direct attack on the discipline of Geography at Leicester with likely loss of Geography staff. Please sign + share
www.change.org/p/save-geogr...
www.change.org/p/save-geogr...
November 7, 2025 at 12:02 PM
SAVE GEOGRAPHY at Leicester University (UK) - We call on the University of Leicester to urgently reconsider the proposal to dissolve Geography. This is direct attack on the discipline of Geography at Leicester with likely loss of Geography staff. Please sign + share
www.change.org/p/save-geogr...
www.change.org/p/save-geogr...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
We are in the midst of a homelessness emergency, the cross departmental strategy for ending homelessness cannot be delayed any longer. The human cost is far too high.
Thank you to @nadinebh.bsky.social at @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Thank you to @nadinebh.bsky.social at @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Government To Hold Homelessness Summit As Sector Calls For More Urgency
The government is being urged to step up its efforts to reduce homelessness as it prepares to host a summit on tackling rough sleeping.
www.politicshome.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:39 PM
We are in the midst of a homelessness emergency, the cross departmental strategy for ending homelessness cannot be delayed any longer. The human cost is far too high.
Thank you to @nadinebh.bsky.social at @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Thank you to @nadinebh.bsky.social at @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
What a brilliant day organised by @sharedhealthgm.bsky.social, coming together to discuss latest data and future plans to tackle the family homelessness emergency in this country.
It was a full house, in a rather jazzy conference venue!
#homelessness #childhomelessness #temporaryaccommodation
It was a full house, in a rather jazzy conference venue!
#homelessness #childhomelessness #temporaryaccommodation
November 7, 2025 at 9:20 AM
What a brilliant day organised by @sharedhealthgm.bsky.social, coming together to discuss latest data and future plans to tackle the family homelessness emergency in this country.
It was a full house, in a rather jazzy conference venue!
#homelessness #childhomelessness #temporaryaccommodation
It was a full house, in a rather jazzy conference venue!
#homelessness #childhomelessness #temporaryaccommodation
Did you know that rental payments will now be used by Experian to assess people's credit rating? This opens up a can of worms!
www.whatmortgage.co.uk/first-time-b...
www.whatmortgage.co.uk/first-time-b...
November 5, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Did you know that rental payments will now be used by Experian to assess people's credit rating? This opens up a can of worms!
www.whatmortgage.co.uk/first-time-b...
www.whatmortgage.co.uk/first-time-b...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
We'd all like to think we'd act like this in a moment of crisis, but Samir Zitouni did - and he's a hero
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Train hero who saved passengers during attack named
The rail worker credited with saving multiple lives is named as Samir Zitouni.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 11:58 AM
We'd all like to think we'd act like this in a moment of crisis, but Samir Zitouni did - and he's a hero
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
Join the Rent Cultures Network at TORCH on 13 Nov, 5 pm for a book presentation of Debt Trap Nation with @kbrickell.bsky.social & Mel Nowicki. They show how debt and housing insecurity shape everyday life in England and call for urgent structural change.
torch.ox.ac.uk/event/debt-t...
torch.ox.ac.uk/event/debt-t...
Debt Trap Nation: Family Homelessness in a Failing State
torch.ox.ac.uk
November 4, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Join the Rent Cultures Network at TORCH on 13 Nov, 5 pm for a book presentation of Debt Trap Nation with @kbrickell.bsky.social & Mel Nowicki. They show how debt and housing insecurity shape everyday life in England and call for urgent structural change.
torch.ox.ac.uk/event/debt-t...
torch.ox.ac.uk/event/debt-t...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
72% do not feel that they can influence decisions affecting the UK.
Why? Because our political and economic institutions have been captured by the wealthy.
And our democracy is failing as a result.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/the-uks-fa...
Why? Because our political and economic institutions have been captured by the wealthy.
And our democracy is failing as a result.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/the-uks-fa...
The UK's Failing Democracy
The Carnegie Foundation's Life in the UK report shows the weakness of UK democracy, and the suffering caused as a result .
graceblakeley.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:31 AM
72% do not feel that they can influence decisions affecting the UK.
Why? Because our political and economic institutions have been captured by the wealthy.
And our democracy is failing as a result.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/the-uks-fa...
Why? Because our political and economic institutions have been captured by the wealthy.
And our democracy is failing as a result.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/the-uks-fa...
🚨Book launch alert
🏠 Interested in 'tiny housing' in the USA?
🗓️ Free in London on Wednesday 3 December?
👋 Then this event is for you!
🪩 Celebrating Ella Harris, Mel Nowicki & Tim White's new book.
Register here ⬇️
www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launc...
🏠 Interested in 'tiny housing' in the USA?
🗓️ Free in London on Wednesday 3 December?
👋 Then this event is for you!
🪩 Celebrating Ella Harris, Mel Nowicki & Tim White's new book.
Register here ⬇️
www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launc...
November 3, 2025 at 4:06 PM
🚨Book launch alert
🏠 Interested in 'tiny housing' in the USA?
🗓️ Free in London on Wednesday 3 December?
👋 Then this event is for you!
🪩 Celebrating Ella Harris, Mel Nowicki & Tim White's new book.
Register here ⬇️
www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launc...
🏠 Interested in 'tiny housing' in the USA?
🗓️ Free in London on Wednesday 3 December?
👋 Then this event is for you!
🪩 Celebrating Ella Harris, Mel Nowicki & Tim White's new book.
Register here ⬇️
www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launc...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
Please read and consider signing the letter in solidarity with Dr Farhana Sultana who has been placed on leave for extramural speech in the context of intensifying repression docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 3, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Please read and consider signing the letter in solidarity with Dr Farhana Sultana who has been placed on leave for extramural speech in the context of intensifying repression docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
15 million Americans are going to lose their health care.
October 31, 2025 at 10:04 PM
15 million Americans are going to lose their health care.
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
HMO sector, increasing number of flatshares where there is no lounge, just shared kitchen and bathrooms. Another symptom of shrinking Britain? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Houses without lounges are a reality for renters
Nearly a third of homes advertised on a property sharing website had no living room.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 9:48 AM
HMO sector, increasing number of flatshares where there is no lounge, just shared kitchen and bathrooms. Another symptom of shrinking Britain? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Local authorities should spend some of £11million recently committed by gov to help families with children living in Temporary Accommodation on a "Sensory Needs Fund" to pay for additional costs of raising a neurodivergent child in TA.
Here's why:
www.sensorylivesproject.org/policy
Here's why:
www.sensorylivesproject.org/policy
October 31, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Local authorities should spend some of £11million recently committed by gov to help families with children living in Temporary Accommodation on a "Sensory Needs Fund" to pay for additional costs of raising a neurodivergent child in TA.
Here's why:
www.sensorylivesproject.org/policy
Here's why:
www.sensorylivesproject.org/policy
End of week discovery (though I am likely late to this!) – the Knowledge Exchange Unit publishes a weekly round-up email of opportunities for the research community to engage with UK Parliament. Think inquiries open, training etc.
Super helpful! 👏
www.parliament.uk/get-involved...
Super helpful! 👏
www.parliament.uk/get-involved...
Knowledge Exchange Unit
The Knowledge Exchange Unit supports the exchange of information and expertise between researchers and UK Parliament
www.parliament.uk
October 31, 2025 at 8:06 AM
End of week discovery (though I am likely late to this!) – the Knowledge Exchange Unit publishes a weekly round-up email of opportunities for the research community to engage with UK Parliament. Think inquiries open, training etc.
Super helpful! 👏
www.parliament.uk/get-involved...
Super helpful! 👏
www.parliament.uk/get-involved...
Who should I contact pls?
Looking for local authority staff involved in safety, risks and hazards assessments of housing.
I need to pick brains re research findings on risks + hazards for neurodivergent children in local authority-provided Temporary Accommodation and/or social housing.
Thanks!
Looking for local authority staff involved in safety, risks and hazards assessments of housing.
I need to pick brains re research findings on risks + hazards for neurodivergent children in local authority-provided Temporary Accommodation and/or social housing.
Thanks!
October 30, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Who should I contact pls?
Looking for local authority staff involved in safety, risks and hazards assessments of housing.
I need to pick brains re research findings on risks + hazards for neurodivergent children in local authority-provided Temporary Accommodation and/or social housing.
Thanks!
Looking for local authority staff involved in safety, risks and hazards assessments of housing.
I need to pick brains re research findings on risks + hazards for neurodivergent children in local authority-provided Temporary Accommodation and/or social housing.
Thanks!
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
An emotional and inspiring event earlier this month, celebrating the book launch of "Debt trap nation" by @kbrickell.bsky.social and Dr Mel Nowicki.
It is not families who are failing, families are being failed.
Find out more about the book and order now: debt-trap-nation.org/book
It is not families who are failing, families are being failed.
Find out more about the book and order now: debt-trap-nation.org/book
'Debt trap nation' book launch
YouTube video by Shared Health Foundation
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 3:10 PM
An emotional and inspiring event earlier this month, celebrating the book launch of "Debt trap nation" by @kbrickell.bsky.social and Dr Mel Nowicki.
It is not families who are failing, families are being failed.
Find out more about the book and order now: debt-trap-nation.org/book
It is not families who are failing, families are being failed.
Find out more about the book and order now: debt-trap-nation.org/book
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
“As long as the logic of capital accumulation remains intact, technological innovation will continue to deepen, not alleviate, the social & ecological challenges we face.”
Polycrisis, or the ‘Madness of Economic Reason’ - @cacrisalves.bsky.social
www.versobooks.com/en-gb/blogs/...
Polycrisis, or the ‘Madness of Economic Reason’ - @cacrisalves.bsky.social
www.versobooks.com/en-gb/blogs/...
Polycrisis, or the 'Madness of Economic Reason'
There could hardly be a more urgent moment to revisit David Harvey’s (2017) Marx, Capital and the Madness of Economic Reason. The economic rationality that has dominated the twenty-first century is no...
www.versobooks.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:55 PM
“As long as the logic of capital accumulation remains intact, technological innovation will continue to deepen, not alleviate, the social & ecological challenges we face.”
Polycrisis, or the ‘Madness of Economic Reason’ - @cacrisalves.bsky.social
www.versobooks.com/en-gb/blogs/...
Polycrisis, or the ‘Madness of Economic Reason’ - @cacrisalves.bsky.social
www.versobooks.com/en-gb/blogs/...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
We welcome the Renters’ Rights Act as a major step forward for renters’ health. However, without proper enforcement and faster implementation, the legislation risks falling short. We're calling for changes to be accelerated.
Read our response:
www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/news/stories...
Read our response:
www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/news/stories...
Implementation of Renters Rights Act risks undermining excellent…
People's Health Trust responds to the Renters' Rights Act receiving Royal Assent, which is a major step forward for renters’ health. However, the Trust…
www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:18 AM
We welcome the Renters’ Rights Act as a major step forward for renters’ health. However, without proper enforcement and faster implementation, the legislation risks falling short. We're calling for changes to be accelerated.
Read our response:
www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/news/stories...
Read our response:
www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/news/stories...
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
Reply to some great comments on mine and Gavin Wood’s piece on #housing, the asset economy and a resurgence of rentier capitalism www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reply to Comments on the Edges of Owner Occupation versus Rentier Capitalism
This piece replies to some fine scholarship from the six commentators who have taken up the pen in response to our focus article. We hope our reply does them justice and invites others to join the ...
www.tandfonline.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Reply to some great comments on mine and Gavin Wood’s piece on #housing, the asset economy and a resurgence of rentier capitalism www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
Congratulations to Sunil Amrith for winning the British Academy Book Prize for The Burning Earth: A History!
go.nature.com/4nn8XAZ
go.nature.com/4nn8XAZ
The Burning Earth: how conquest and carnage have decimated landscapes worldwide
An epic exploration of human history examines how the poor and powerless have fought back — time and again — against those seeking to profit from the planet’s natural resources.
go.nature.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Congratulations to Sunil Amrith for winning the British Academy Book Prize for The Burning Earth: A History!
go.nature.com/4nn8XAZ
go.nature.com/4nn8XAZ
Reposted by Prof Katherine Brickell
Great to see Prof Hester Parr (@hesterparr.bsky.social) of @uofgges.bsky.social featured in this BBC News piece showcasing the Wintering Well project she leads with Prof Hayden Lorimer (@slipshodspeller.bsky.social) of the University of Edinburgh.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
How to cope with long winter nights when the clocks go back
More than a million people in the UK experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder - but a project is aiming to help people in Orkney look after their mental health.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Great to see Prof Hester Parr (@hesterparr.bsky.social) of @uofgges.bsky.social featured in this BBC News piece showcasing the Wintering Well project she leads with Prof Hayden Lorimer (@slipshodspeller.bsky.social) of the University of Edinburgh.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...