Tuesday 2 February 2022 saw the publication of the UK Government’s long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper, setting out its plans to “spread opportunity and prosperity to all parts” of the UK.
The White Paper contains commendable intentions for the built environment, particularly those to improve wellbeing and standards of living through a drive to improve the quality of the UK’s housing. Our report, The Cost of Poor Housing in England, finds that poor housing costs the NHS some £1.4bn per year. When wider societal costs are included, this rises to some £18.5bn every year.
Unless a targeted effort is undertaken to improve the poorest housing stock these social and cost burdens will continue, and we are pleased to see recognition by Government of the clear links between the economy, health, and the built environment.
At the heart of the levelling up agenda should be a holistic approach to local governance; one which brings together the Government’s priorities for housing, health, connectivity, and net zero into a cohesive vision which delivers positive outcomes for people and communities.
In England, plans to explore proposals for a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector are welcome. The English Housing Survey, which has been carried out by BRE on behalf of the UK Government for nearly 50 years, found that in 2019, the private rented sector had the highest proportion of non-decent homes of any tenure type – some 1.1 million, or 23% of the stock. This must be addressed to ensure everyone can live in a safe, warm, comfortable home.
The primary criticism of the Levelling Up White Paper so far has been the lack of new concrete policies and spending commitments. However, at least regarding building decarbonisation, the White Paper contained one important, wholly new commitment. The private rented sector has long had the highest proportion of cold, energy inefficient, high carbon homes. We know from our research into fuel poverty that this is a major issue and one that drastically needs addressing as the cost of energy continues to rise and the UK is faced with a cost of living crisis…Read more
