Government ministers have been cautioned that without addressing the UK’s housing crisis, plans to revitalise the NHS and stimulate economic growth will falter.
A critical report reveals millions are living in substandard homes that exacerbate health conditions, particularly among older populations.
An analysis by the Centre for Ageing Better highlights that 4.5 million people aged 50 or over in England with existing health conditions are living in poor-quality housing.
Issues such as damp, rot, and structural decay pose serious health risks. Among them, 1.7 million are aged 70 or older.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to cut NHS waiting times and position the UK as the fastest-growing economy within his party’s first term. However, experts argue these goals are unattainable without urgent improvements to the nation’s deteriorating housing stock.
Carole Easton, chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, described the findings as alarming. “This crisis leaves millions of older people in homes that threaten their health, especially during the winter months. Beyond the personal toll, poor housing undermines the nation’s economy by limiting the productivity of older workers and overburdening the health service,” she said.
The report identifies significant housing deficiencies, including rising damp, water leaks, inadequate heating, and structural issues, all of which exacerbate conditions such as respiratory diseases, heart failure, and asthma.
Notably, the analysis reveals stark inequalities. Nearly half (46%) of black, Asian, or minority ethnic individuals aged 50 or over with health conditions live in homes with at least one serious problem, compared to 32% of white counterparts. Those from minority backgrounds are also twice as likely to face multiple housing issues.
Geographically, the highest concentrations of affected individuals are in London (52%), followed by the north-east and north-west (both 35%).
Holly Holder, deputy director for homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, called for a coordinated response. “No one should live in housing that harms their health. The government must prioritise a national strategy to address poor-quality housing, aiming to halve the number of non-decent homes over the next decade.”
In response, a government spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts through its “Plan for Change,” aimed at improving housing conditions across all tenures, ensuring homes are “decent, safe and warm.”
This report underscores the urgent need for targeted action to address the housing crisis, not only to improve individual wellbeing but also to stabilise vital national systems like healthcare and the economy.
