Snakes and Landlords

A story of homelessness and poverty, and the courage to speak the truth in a society that has turned its back on understanding. Written by NTS Associate Director and writer, Debbie Hannan, performed by Yvonne Wickham.

“People talk about poverty like its dirt you scrub off, but I’ve covered mine. They’re wrong anyway, it’s not just skin deep. It’s in your gut.”

One in five people in the UK—14 million individuals—live in poverty, struggling to meet basic needs. A rigged housing and rental market, supported by policies like no-fault eviction, worsens this crisis. Despite the previous Conservative government's promise to end no-fault evictions, over 100,000 households have been threatened with eviction in the past five years, contributing to rising homelessness. The Labour government pledges to end no-fault evictions, increase social and affordable housing, and invest millions to provide homes for families at risk of homelessness.