Housing, health and wellbeing from a public health perspective

Cumberland Council is committed to putting health and wellbeing at the heart of its business, including ensuring that local housing supports residents’ wellbeing. A home is not just a place to live, but should be a place of comfort, shelter, safety and warmth; a place to raise family and welcome friends; and a basis for all our other daily activities. It is the main setting for our health throughout our lives.

Poor housing conditions can have significant impacts on health and wellbeing. Evidence shows that exposure to damp, cold, mould and overcrowding all have negative effects on physical and mental wellbeing, leading to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancy.

Physical health impacts include breathing problems from damp and mould, including conditions like asthma and allergies. Cold temperatures and poor housing conditions can contribute to heart-related health problems. Overcrowding can help spread infectious diseases. Whilst poor housing conditions – like faulty wiring or trip hazards – can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Mental health impacts include stress and anxiety, depression and specific effects on children of overcrowding, poorer physical health and behavioural problems.

According to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s toolkit ‘Good Housing Leads to Good Health’, stress is a health issue that can be linked to bullying, school refusal, under performance at school as well as unemployment or absence from work.

Housing is a key social determinant of health, as a factor that influences health outcomes beyond medical care. Access to safe, affordable and decent housing is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.

Ongoing efforts to promote healthy housing, including improving housing quality and affordability are essential for health and wellbeing.