Panorama unveils mould issues in rental homes: comment
Comment on new analysis of NHS England data on cold and damp homes
By Jess Ralston
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Commenting on a Panorama investigation into the issue of mould in rental homes, including analysis of NHS England data which found that more than 26,000 babies and toddlers were admitted to hospital last year with lung conditions probably linked to exposure to damp and mould [1], Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:
"Privately rented homes are amongst the coldest and dampest, and cost the NHS £540 million in 2023 [2], a figure that could be higher now that gas is so expensive that many have been forced not to have their heating on.
"The Government has committed to higher standards for insulation in private rented homes by 2030 [3], but this is two years later than originally suggested half a decade ago, and could mean that people are living in unhealthy homes that are expensive to run for longer. Landlords can get their investment back when selling their properties, as better quality housing sells for more, so there is no excuse for the sector to leave their tenants in homes that not only cost them but wider society too."
Notes to editors:
1. 'Black mould is making my son ill' - the private renters struggling to be heard: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0rq2g0kz1lo
2. Tackling cold homes would save the NHS £540mn per year, BRE research reveals: https://bregroup.com/news/tackling-cold-homes-would-save-the-nhs-540mn-per-year-new-bre-research-reveals
3. Warm homes and cheaper bills as government accelerates Plan for Change: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/warm-homes-and-cheaper-bills-as-government-accelerates-plan-for-change
For more information or for interview requests:
George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net