Social housing tenants will be healthier if their homes are warmer, according to new research.
Health economists at Bangor University evaluated the costs and outcomes associated with social housing improvements and found a link between warmer homes and reduced use of NHS services.
The results, published in the International Journal of Public Health, showed that installing new energy efficient boilers and double-glazed windows had a positive impact.
Prof Rhiannon Tudor Edwards and Dr Nathan Bray of Bangor University worked with Gentoo housing association and Nottingham City Homes to carry out the research.
Tenants reported improved health status and less use of outpatient and emergency NHS services a year after their homes were improved.
Prof Edwards said: 'More needs to be done to ensure that everyone in the UK lives in a healthy home which is warm and free from damp.
'This research could influence healthcare commissioners, councils and housing associations to work together to improve health through better housing.'
