Lauren Walker: How an ambitious housing agenda can also help improve public health | #ForAccessibleHomes News

Lauren Walker, Occupational Therapist and professional advisor at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) specialising in accessible design and home adaptations, which can prevent accidents, increase independence, and improve quality of life. She says occupational therapists play a vital role helping individuals to overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities that add purpose to their lives. In her blog below, she discusses how innovative housing policy can help give people greater independence, and what local government can do to help.

Since taking office, Labour has reiterated several key housing commitments made during their recent election campaign. Among these is a pledge to ease planning restrictions and push local councils to construct more homes, aiming to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.

But an innovative government should go further, exploring how this ambitious housing agenda can also address another critical priority: improving public health and giving people greater independence.

As an occupational therapist specialising in housing, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial accessible environments are to wellbeing. We, as occupational therapists, are the bridge between health, social care, and housing, working tirelessly to end barriers to independence and inclusion.

Whether we’re assisting with home adaptations, supporting people to rehabilitate, or advising on the design of new accessible housing, we encounter a wide variety of homes - new and old, large and small.

The reality, however, is stark.

Impact of poor quality housing

Over four million people in the UK live in substandard housing. More than half of homes fail to meet the energy efficiency rating of C or above.

The Housing and Ageing Alliance highlights that only 19% of homes offer step-free access. Moreover, an estimated 4.1 million homes in England do not meet the government's basic standards, with nearly half of these homes occupied by individuals over 55 years old.

The costs of these housing failures are immense. Poorly insulated homes are breeding grounds for preventable health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) estimates that the NHS spends £1.4 billion annually on conditions linked to inadequate housing . With projections indicating that two-thirds of adults over 65 will be living with multiple health conditions by 2035 , this financial burden could escalate unless carefully managed.

Toll on healthcare system

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the toll of inadequate housing on our healthcare system.  Too often, patients who are ready for discharge are forced to remain in hospital because their homes lack basic accessibility features or are not suitably adapted.

This has huge financial implications, not only for the NHS but also social care, as people’s ongoing care and support needs often increase the longer they remain in hospital unnecessarily.

The personal consequences are also significant, with people losing independence and unable to participate in daily life – including work and education.

Labour has vowed to “embed a greater focus on prevention throughout the entire healthcare system and supporting services.

That’s why we’re supporting Habinteg’s Accessible Home Week campaign to rapidly enact the commitment made by the previous Government to adopt the Building Regulations M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard as the minimum requirement for all new homes.

Embracing the M4(2) standard

The M4(2) standard compels housebuilders to consider the evolving needs of an ageing population, mandating features such as step-free access, wider doorways and corridors, and adaptable living spaces.

These elements not only enhance accessibility but also ensure that homes can evolve with their occupants - whether they’re older adults, individuals with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.

To achieve this vision, local councils must leverage the expertise of occupational therapists, who are uniquely positioned to guide the creation of accessible, inclusive communities.

To truly transform our housing landscape, it’s vital that we build not just more homes, but better, more accessible ones. By embracing regulations like M4(2) we can draw on the expertise of occupational therapists to create homes that are adaptable, inclusive, and capable of supporting a diverse and ageing population.

This isn’t just about meeting numbers or ticking boxes; it’s about building a future where our homes contribute to our health and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can live with dignity, independence, and security.

This is why Labour's vision for housing must break new ground and be intertwined with a vision for a healthier nation, because the two are inextricably linked.