GPs left to “pick up the pieces” of the poor housing situation in Northern England

As reported by the BBC News, a think tank has warned that doctors and schools are under greater pressure as a result of poor housing in the North of England

The Northern Powerhouse Partnership has warned high numbers of people are in danger because of poor insulation.

Data from the government’s English Housing Survey concluded that approximately 1.2m homes in the North of England pose a health risk.

The figures show that more than 400,000 homes in the Yorkshire and Humber region alone are classified as being “non-decent”.

Janice Dawson, who leases a flat in Birstall, West Yorkshire, said: “I’ve had depression for years and anxiety and I’m sure a lot of it’s to do with this.

“Physically we don’t sleep because of the damp as it’s go into our lungs meaning we’re coughing all the time.”

Director of Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Henri Murison, has pointed to the wider societal impact of poor housing.

“The poorest families are now being hit with huge energy prices because they often live in poorly-insulated homes, which contributes to a situation where GPs and schools are left picking up the pieces from those families living in sub-standard accommodation”.

The government has promised to halve the number of poor quality homes by 2030.

Minister for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Kemi Badenoch said: “The levelling-up White Paper outlined a set of ambitious missions to level up the country and support communities.

“That means we will bring about 800,000 homes up to a decent standard across both the private and social rented sectors, and that will support the most vulnerable in society.”