Measuring the effects of Internet deprivation

With digital technology and connectivity being so ubiquitous, it is easy to take access to the Internet for granted. It becomes part of the background. But there are many people that do not have regular access to the internet – those that live in areas with poor connectivity; those that can’t afford broadband connection; or those … Continue reading Measuring the effects of Internet deprivation

May 2020 round-up

Earlier this month, during one of my runs, I spotted a beautiful mirror, in a skip, outside the flower shop. I took a photo for my “Today’s run” series. But, then, I remembered Denise Agosto’s beautiful post about an abandoned coin on the pavement. In the post, she reflects on how the fear of the … Continue reading May 2020 round-up

Video from my Brunel Public Webinar Series: Mortgage market lockdown

Earlier this week, I participated in the public webinar series organised by the research office, at Brunel University London. I discussed why we are experiencing a contraction in the mortgage market, now. Then, drawing on my research about customer screening in financial services, I reflected on how this contraction is likely to create vulnerability … Continue reading Video from my Brunel Public Webinar Series: Mortgage market lockdown

What the mortgage market lockdown means for vulnerable consumers – lessons from the 2008 recession

When the UK went into lockdown, the process of selling our flat stalled, as both the buyer and ourselves are facing various practical barriers to execute the sale. We are not the only ones, of course. Even before the lockdown, house sales were falling (40% fewer enquiries and 15% fewer sales agreed, according to property … Continue reading What the mortgage market lockdown means for vulnerable consumers – lessons from the 2008 recession

How did the 2008 financial crisis impact on financial exclusion?

Ten years ago, the UK was in the grips of a major financial and economic crisis, triggered by the ‘credit crunch’ experienced in the previous year (1). Major financial institutions like Northern Rock or Lehman Brothers went bankrupt, others like the Royal Bank of Scotland required government intervention to stay afloat, and most – if … Continue reading How did the 2008 financial crisis impact on financial exclusion?