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‘One in 13 homes unfit for human habitation’

Britain’s housing conditions are deteriorating, with an adverse impact on health, and government policies to tackle the situation are in disarray.

These are the stark conclusions to emerge from a report on housing conditions and the nation’s health, published by the National Housing Forum.

The report, Papering over the cracks, says that the rate of clearance is so slow that properties being built now would have to last 4,000 years. In contrast, the poor state of the housing stock demands urgent action to prevent injury to health.

It cites evidence that one in 13 homes in the UK are officially unfit for human habitation, and one in six need urgent repairs costing over £1,000.

In addition, three of every ten homes in Scotland and one in five homes in England suffer problems of dampness, condensation or mould growth. Such conditions are known to cause or worsen respiratory, skin and mental health conditions in occupants.

Although the majority of houses in poor condition are now owner occupied, on average conditions are relatively worse in the private rented sector. Conditions are also worse in Northern Ireland and Wales than in other parts of the country.

The report, which was written by researchers from the School of Advanced Urban Studies in Bristol, estimates that at least £7bn of public funding will be required to tackle the backlog of unfitness, and at least £16bn to deal with the urgent repairs.

It claims government policy on housing renewal is in a state of crisis, with a major review of legislation now under way only four years after a new framework for private sector renovation was introduced in 1990.

The authors call on the government to develop a broad strategy for private sector housing renewal and set national targets for tackling the backlog of work over the next decade.

‘Poor housing conditions affect people’s health and well-being, and this means that the government should address the issue as a matter of urgency,’ said Graham Facks-Martin, chair of the National Housing Forum.

Papering over the cracks: housing conditions and the nation’s health is available from: National Housing Forum, c/o Housing Section, AMA, 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BJ. Price: £12.