If homes are fit for purpose we can save NHS billions

Fuel poverty kills thousands each winter - but what can be done to improve the quality of Britain's housing?

‘LEVELLING UP’ has been the catchphrase of Boris Johnson’s government since his election in December and, to go by recent news and then the Budget, this appetite for change is badly needed.

Treat OAP fuel poverty as seriously as coronavirus – The Yorkshire Post says

Health inequalities have worsened over the past decade, with the least well off spending many more years in poor health than the rich, and life expectancy beginning to decline for women in the poorest areas.

At the same time, we are seeing our NHS struggle to cope with growing demand – a challenge thrown into sharp relief by the threat of a coronavirus outbreak.

Holly Holder is the Senior Evidence Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better.

It’s clear that serious, urgent action is needed in many areas if we are to improve the health of the population, reduce inequalities and begin to take the strain off our health service – this week’s Budget must be the start, not the end, of the mission.

A crucial part of this puzzle must be to improve the condition of Britain’s dangerously poor-quality housing stock. Over 400,000 people in Yorkshire and the Humber alone are living in homes that endanger their health, safety or wellbeing.

Poor housing doesn’t just have devastating personal consequences,  but costs the NHS an estimated £1.4bn a year.

The most common reason for a home to be classed as ‘non-decent’ is because it contains a serious hazard – like a fall risk, or excess cold.

What can be done to improve the quality of housing in the UK?

Falls in the home are the main cause of accidental injury-related death among older people.

If homes are fit for purpose we can save NHS billions – Holly Holder