New CfRC research indicates that some lower-income borrowers are highly sensitive to their credit scores, and this could be negatively impacting their financial behaviours: causing them to prioritise credit repayments over the payment of household bills and other essentials. People in financial difficulty may also be receiving inappropriate messages that encourage them to take on more credit than they can afford.

This project assessed the extent to which applicants to the FlexMyRent scheme were honest about their financial circumstances, and which disclosures were most predictive of success. Qualitative interviews indicate that the framing of FlexMyRent generated trust and this encouraged honest disclosure. Quantitative analysis points to the self-disclosure of existing debt burdens and rent account starting balance as the most important predictors of success.