A recent report issued by the Good Home Inquiry emphasizes the pressing need for a unified and comprehensive approach to tackle the housing situation in the country. The report underscores the importance of implementing a cross-government housing strategy, backed by dedicated ministerial support, as a critical measure to instigate meaningful change.
A fresh study from the Good Home Inquiry has uncovered a lack of urgency in improving the quality of housing, which has put residents at risk. Shocking statistics reveal that the number of deaths during winter months has risen nearly 20% from winter 2018-2019 to 2019-2020. Furthermore, there are currently, four million homes that fall below minimal decency standards, with two million of these, accounting for one in ten homes in England, posing a ‘category 1 hazard’ due to their extremely poor quality, thus endangering the health and safety of residents.
The Good Home Inquiry, with the support of the Centre for Ageing Better, warns that England’s homes are some of the oldest and lowest quality in Europe. The report highlights that inadequate housing costs the NHS an annual sum of £1.4 billion, and certain vulnerable demographics, such as those aged 55 and above or individuals at higher risk from COVID-19 due to health conditions or belonging to Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, are more likely to reside in substandard housing. This issue spans all forms of tenure but is particularly prevalent among homeowners who lack the financial means to address necessary repairs and improvements.
These findings stress the importance of addressing the state of housing in the nation, given a convergence of factors. The ongoing pandemic has underscored the detrimental effects of poor-quality housing on overall health and well-being. Additionally, there is an urgent need to achieve net zero carbon emissions, requiring a focus on retrofitting homes for enhanced energy efficiency. With a shifting demographic towards older individuals, it’s crucial that our housing meets their needs in later life.
The report recommends that the government develop a comprehensive housing strategy and appoint a dedicated minister to oversee its execution. It also suggests establishing a local “Good Home Agency” to provide residents with guidance on repairs, energy efficiency, retrofitting, and assistance in finding reputable professionals for maintenance work, alongside financial support.
The Good Home Inquiry, supported by the Centre for Ageing Better, was established in 2020 to investigate the causes of England’s poor-quality housing crisis and propose potential policy solutions.
David Orr CBE, Chair of the Good Home Inquiry, expressed his concern, stating, “The issue of substandard housing is a grave injustice that no individual should have to endure, yet it remains pervasive for millions of individuals in England.” He emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated action to address the longstanding problem of poor-quality housing. The report highlights the extensive issue and outlines the necessary steps to address it, with significant potential benefits for individuals, the economy, and our global climate responsibilities. It is hoped that this report marks the beginning of a lasting transformation.