More than 6.5m people could still be living in dangerous homes by the end of next parliament, despite manifesto pledges to tackle the poor quality housing, say Safe Homes Now campaigners
Both the Conservatives and Labour have committed to investing a minimum of £6bn in the next parliament in upgrading England’s homes.
However, Centre for Ageing Better analysis has found that this funding could not repair all homes with poor energy efficiency to a high standard.
The analysis revealed that the manifestos offer an inadequate solution to those who live in dangerous homes for reasons other than being too cold or too warm.
8m people live in dangerous homes in England
Currently, there are around 3.7m dangerous homes in England.
This includes homes that are in disrepair, unsanitary, have outdated sewage facilities, have electrical or fire hazards and do not meet basic legal health and safety standards.
Current pledges will only reduce this figure to 6.6m
Analysis revealed that the number will only be reduced to 2.9m dangerous homes before 2030, even if Labour or the Conservatives can fully deliver on their home energy efficiency plans.
By failing to fix dangerous homes, political parties risk missing out on the benefits that would boost the economy and alleviate pressure on health and social care.
A more comprehensive investment in home improvement policies would bring £5.9bn in health benefits and help 3.1m people every year, according to research by the cross-party think tank Demos.
Dr Carole Easton OBE, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Such is the poor state of the nation’s housing, the level of investment promised in Labour and Conservative election manifestoes is unlikely to repair all cold homes within the next five years to a sufficiently high standard. This risks leaving many people continuing to endure the likelihood of their home harming their health.
“And no national political party has committed to invest in improving the safety of homes beyond making them more energy efficient, despite the huge threat that poor-quality housing poses to the nation’s health.”
Campaigners are calling for the next government to improve the quality of England’s homes
The Safe Homes Now campaign is urging the next government to develop a national strategy to improve housing quality.
The campaign emphasises the need for a cohesive approach across various government departments, including health, housing, and net zero, to address unsafe homes.
This strategy should enhance energy efficiency and eliminate falls and other health hazards in homes.
Kate Markey, CEO of the Nationwide Foundation, said: “A long-term and cross-party strategy is urgently needed to transform England’s homes, one that will ensure decent, affordable and secure homes are available for all, especially our most vulnerable neighbours.”
