Ageing housing stock
Ageing housing stockIt has long been established that poor quality housing conditions adversely affects health, and the longer the exposure to poor conditions, the greater the impact on physical and mental health. It has been estimated that poor housing in England costs the NHS £4.1 billion per year.
The Stock Condition Study advises that the best predictor for the overall condition of housing stock is the age of the properties. The age of a dwelling also affects energy efficiency as building techniques and regulations have changed over time, as well as additional wear and tear to the property.
Table 12: number of households in Cumberland by property age
| Year | Number of properties |
|---|---|
| Pre 1900 | 34,300 |
| 1900 to 1939 | 16,770 |
| 1945 to 1972 | 36,340 |
| 1973 to 1999 | 27,270 |
| 2000 to 2012 | 10,640 |
| 2013 to 2024 | 10,160 |
| Total | 135,480 |
Excess cold
Households living in poorly heated homes are at greater risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. England has an average of 1.9% of properties with excess cold. The average in Cumberland is 6.4% for owner-occupied properties, and 5.4% for privately rented properties. This accounts for approximately 7,400 homes in Cumberland.
Table 13: percentage of households with excess cold by age of property
| Year | % with excess cold |
|---|---|
| Pre 1900 | 19.4% |
| 1900 to 1949 | 6.8% |
| 1950 to 1975 | 3.7% |
| 1976 to 1990 | 1.5% |
| 1991 to 2002 | 0.8% |
| 2003 to 2011 | 0% |
| 2012 onwards | 0% |
| Total | 6.2% |
Damp and mould
The effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. The presence of damp and mould can also affect tenants' mental health. England has an average of 4% of properties experiencing damp. Cumberland's figures are 5.4% for owner-occupied properties, and 8% for privately rented properties. This accounts for approximately 6,500 homes in Cumberland.