Over a fifth (21%) of social workers have had to remove a child from their family in the last three years due in part to unsafe housing conditions, new research reveals.
Nearly 2,300 front-line social workers have reported via survey that the number of people residing in unacceptable conditions has soared over the last three years, with 78% of staff reaching a firm consensus that housing issues are a common experience amongst those they support.
Unsafe living conditions range from mould, damp and draughts in homes to maintenance problems and pest infestations, amongst others.
John McGowan, General Secretary of the Social Workers Union, said: ‘The country’s poor housing stock poses a danger to the wellbeing and development of children and poses a risk to the health of many adults with pre-existing health conditions.’
‘Social workers go above and beyond to help those at most risk in the country and are highlighting safeguarding concerns on a regular basis. However, addressing the housing challenge is more than social workers can do themselves.’
The research revealed vast regional disparities in living standards throughout the UK, highlighting that people in the North East of England, London and Wales are most severely impacted by housing issues.
General Secretary John McGowan added: ‘Ministers must own up to the fact that it is only the Government that can provide the funding to reverse the decline in public services and ensure the most vulnerable get the support they need.’
