Everyone wants to live in a safe and secure home, especially as they get older.
But millions of homes are unsafe and put people’s lives and health at risk. Around 10 million people in England currently live in a home that presents a serious threat to their health and safety. And people who are poorer, older or disabled are most at risk.
Unsafe homes can be cold, damp, overcrowded or lack adequate facilities. They may have structural or electrical problems or have hazards that cause people to trip or fall. Unsafe homes can cause health problems and make existing conditions worse. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that overcrowded homes help viruses spread. Living in unsafe homes affects people’s mental health too.
Through the Good Home Inquiry, we explored the causes of and solutions to England’s poor-quality housing.
