Inquiry on the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill: Welsh NHS Confederation response
Key points
Our members broadly agree with the general principles of the Bill and that there is a need for legislation to deliver the stated policy intention. Housing is undeniably a fundamental determinant of health. The quality, stability, and affordability of housing directly impact physical and mental well-being.
Quality housing acts as a wider determinate for good physical and mental health, and when investing in good quality housing there is a proven return on investment in health benefits. The impacts of poor housing are reflected in health inequalities across Wales and have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations of society.
Implementing better systems for communication and collaboration across sectors is crucial for the well-being of vulnerable individuals and for the efficiency of the healthcare system. As stated in our briefing, “How does housing influence our health?”, poor housing costs the Welsh NHS £95 million per year in the first five years of treatment charges and costs Welsh society over £1bn a year.
The Welsh NHS Confederation, aligning with the "A Healthier Wales" vision, advocates for seamless services delivered through strong partnerships between health, social care, housing, and wider public and third sector. Good housing is not just about bricks and mortar, but also encompasses affordability, security, safety, and connection to community services.
