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Yesterday’s report from Shelter Scotland highlights that one in three people in Scotland live in a home that does not meet the Living Home Standard. The report builds on their 2015 Commission on Housing and Wellbeing and shines a spotlight on two housing priorities identified by members of the Scottish public – affordability and decent conditions of housing. We know that the places we live in have an important influence on our health and wellbeing and are fundamental to reducing health inequalities. We also know that housing costs and quality disproportionally affect people on low incomes.  We need to address this gap.

Matt Lowther, Head of Place and Equity at NHS Health Scotland yesterday said:

“We welcome today’s report from Shelter Scotland. It’s unacceptable that a housing divide still exists in Scotland. Having a home that is warm, dry and affordable isn’t a luxury – it’s a right.  

We know what the issues are. Housing has the potential to reduce or reinforce health inequalities. Everyone should have a good quality home that is affordable, regardless of age or income. We need to address the housing divide and ensure that there are a sufficient number of quality, affordable homes to meet the needs of people in Scotland.  The Scottish Government and its partners recognise this and many actions are already underway which will undoubtedly help.  However, yesterday’s report reminds us that we still have a long way to go before everyone in Scotland lives in a house that fully meets their needs.” 

Find out more in our Housing and Health Inequalities page