A coalition of charities has launched a campaign urging the Government to halve the number of homes blighted by mould, damp and other serious hazards.
Eight million people currently live in 3.7 million homes that are cold, in need of repair or have serious hazards, according to the charity Centre for Ageing Better.
A survey by the charity found that one in four people (25%) are worried about the impact the condition of their home has on their family’s health.
This rises to one in three people (34%) in the private rented sector and almost one in two (48%) for housing association tenants.
More than half of people (52%) taking part in the Centre for Ageing survey say Government should be doing more to support people in ensuring their homes are in a good condition.
The Safe Homes Now campaign, which is supported by nine charities including St John Ambulance, Race Equality Foundation and The Runnymede Trust, is calling for a national strategy to tackle the poor quality of the country’s homes. ?
Dr Carole Easton OBE, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: ‘No one should have to live in a dangerous home that damages their health or the health of their family.
‘Poor quality housing is severely damaging the health of millions of children, adults and pensioners – and incurring huge healthcare costs and putting enormous strain on health services.’
