Is the health of the home the secret to delivering the Government’s five missions?

This week the latest meeting of the Healthy Homes and Buildings All Party Parliamentary Group saw the launch of and a subsequent discussion on their paper - “A mission for Healthy Homes and Buildings”. 

Produced following previous meetings around why building healthy homes is central to delivering the government’s five missions for change, the paper outlines why the group believes this approach can: 

• Kickstart economic growth

• Build stronger, safer communities 

• Help build an NHS fit for the future 

• Help break down barriers to opportunity  

• Help make Britain a clean energy superpower 

Echoing our own belief that everyone should have the right to live in a healthy home, the paper expands to highlight how in the group’s opinion the focus on health can cut across the stated missions of Sir Keir Starmer’s government. 

Growth: a national retrofit strategy can boost the economy; healthier homes can help save the NHS money and retrofitting helps us meet our national net zero targets and develop a greener economy. 

Stronger, safer communities: poor housing contributes to crime and anti-social behaviour and better homes create a stronger sense of community and belonging which in turn helps improve residents' health, wellbeing and social behaviour. 

Health: poor housing is driving health inequalities with the NHS footing the bill whilst retrofitting homes improves independent living and reduces hospital admissions. 

Opportunity: living in well-connected, healthier homes and places will boost productivity and subsequent growth opportunities whilst healthier homes can improve educational attainment as poor quality homes result in health issues which affect school attendance which has a long-term impact on the economy, future skills and labour market. 

Clean energy: community-led retrofit improves occupants’ health whilst poor ventilation and energy inefficiency contributes to damp, mould and respiratory conditions. 

As part of the paper the group makes some clear policy asks and calls to action: 

• A commitment to a fully funded National Retrofit Strategy 

• The mandation of minimum housing quality standards 

• The need to embed housing in NHS and health prevention strategies 

• Alignment of housing and economic policy 

• Making healthy, energy-efficient housing central to Britain’s clean energy strategy 

• The establishment of a cross-departmental committee for healthy homes and buildings and/or a Minister and department dedicated to tackling the problems caused by unhealthy homes and buildings 

You can read more about the Healthy Homes and Buildings All Party Parliamentary Group here