British ministers warned that the housing crisis is putting plans for the NHS and the economy at risk

Ministers have been warned that efforts to save the NHS and grow the economy will fail unless they tackle the housing crisis, as a damning report reveals millions of people are living in substandard homes at risk of worsening their health.

A total of 4.5 million people in England aged 50 or over with a pre-existing health condition live in poor-quality housing with one or more problems such as rising damp, rot or decay that could make them even sicker, according to the Center for Aging Better. analysis found. Of these, 1.7 million people are 70 years or older.

Keir Starmer has pledged to cut waiting times for the NHS and make Britain the fastest growing major economy by the end of Labour’s first term in government.

But ministers have been told that the drive to stabilize healthcare and achieve sustainable economic growth will fail unless the country’s substandard housing stock is urgently improved.

Dr. Carole Easton, director of the Center for Aging Better, a charity tackling aging inequality, said the report exposes how the housing crisis is “putting millions of older people at risk” with health problems.

“This is clearly devastating for people living in homes where there is a very real risk of getting sick, especially as winter arrives.

“But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers who live in homes where their health conditions deteriorate are less likely to be able to work and help the economy grow.

“Older people whose serious health conditions are exacerbated by their home will require treatment, putting extra pressure on our healthcare system during the winter. All could be avoided if we tackle poor quality housing with the urgency and priority it requires.”

The report looked at people aged 50 and over with health conditions affected by substandard living conditions, including respiratory disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, neurological conditions and lung conditions such as asthma.

The housing problems identified included rising damp, water leaks, poor condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and disrepair, too cold in winter and structural problems.

The analysis also revealed significant inequalities. Nearly half (46%) of black, Asian or minority ethnic people aged 50 or over with any of the health conditions listed had at least one problem with their home. This compared to around one in three (32%) white people.

People aged 50 or over from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background and with a health problem were also twice as likely to have five or more problems with their housing compared to white people.

Those aged 50 and over with a health condition negatively affected by poor housing conditions and with a significant problem in their own home were most likely to live in London (52%), followed by the North East (35%) and the North East. west (35%).

Holly Holder, deputy director for homes at the Center for Aging Better, said: “No one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. By not addressing poor quality housing, we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

“We are calling on the Government to solve this hidden housing crisis by developing a national strategy to tackle poor quality housing in all residential areas and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging legacy this Government faces, we are taking action through our ‘Plan for Change’ to improve housing conditions in all residential areas and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable. ”