On December 17, 2024, the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE) released a significant report documenting the influences of housing on overall health and wellbeing. This report, titled Building Health Equity: The Role of the Property Sector in Improving Health, discusses both the detrimental and beneficial effects of housing quality.
The findings present a stark reality: poor housing conditions translate into poorer mental and physical health outcomes. In comparison, secure and affordable homes enhance health and longevity. Sponsored by Legal and General, the report advocates for a fundamental restructuring of the property sector and government policies to prioritize health and sustainability.
Key Findings
According to the report, a concerning trend has emerged, particularly regarding children. The number of children living in temporary accommodations soared by 14.7 percent, reaching 150,000 in England in the past year. Frequent relocations not only disrupt educational achievement but also affect long-term life chances.
Moreover, inadequate housing costs society approximately £18.5 billion annually due to poor educational results, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs, including an NHS burden of £1.4 billion to treat conditions linked to housing inadequacies.
Unless changes are implemented, it is estimated that illnesses related to economic inactivity could rise dramatically, from 2.8 million individuals to 4.3 million by 2029.
Government and Sector Responsibilities
The report underscores the vital role of the national government in fostering affordable and healthy housing amidst a goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes over five years. It calls for collaboration among property investors, developers, and local authorities to ensure housing developments center on resident health and community vitality.
Building Health Equity identifies three critical dimensions through which housing affects health: quality, supply, and affordability. It proposes actionable steps towards ameliorating the UK’s urgent need for quality housing that meets local demands, as well as for the retrofitting of existing structures.
Benefits of Green Spaces and Community Facilities
The report also highlights the advantages of enhancing biodiversity and providing access to community resources. Optimal health outcomes are achieved when residents enjoy affordable, quality housing situated in socially cohesive neighborhoods that also consider environmental integrity.
Quote from Experts
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the IHE, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating: ‘If nothing changes, the property sector will not deliver the affordable, good-quality housing in the right places that this country so desperately needs. We know the largest volume house builders prioritize profit, but we need them to prioritize health equity as well.’
‘Health and housing are integrally linked. If our homes do not provide security, safety, quality and belonging, good health is not possible,’ he continued.
Recommendations for Future Action
- Improve affordability and availability of housing by ensuring sufficient supply of diverse home types through public-private partnerships.
- Design and maintain homes with a focus on resident health, featuring energy efficiency and good air quality.
- Enhance access to essential local services, including healthcare and community facilities that positively affect health.
- Encourage community engagement to bolster mental well-being.
This report represents the initial stage of a comprehensive agenda aimed at instilling health equity within property development practices to promote long-term societal benefits.
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