Poor-quality housing has a profound impact on health. The internal condition of homes, insecure tenure, and wider neighbourhood characteristics all have a considerable effect on health and wellbeing.
The Centre for Ageing Better recently launched The Good Home Inquiry, which aims to bring together new and existing evidence, a range of stakeholders and the public to develop a consensus on what needs to change to improve our existing housing stock and how. The Good Home Inquiry will conclude its work next year with detailed policy recommendations for change.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and amplified housing-related health inequalities. Social distancing measures have meant that people are spending more time in homes that are hazardous, unsafe and lack security of tenure. Inadequate housing conditions such as overcrowding can also lead to increased risk of viral transmission.
