LONDON (CU)_London has often been in the headlines for top investors from around the world seeking real estate as a stable investment to which quite often the property remains unoccupied and the large investments have drawn concerns of the possibility of raising prices for ordinary Londoners. This phenomenon is however not unique to London and has seen a global trend in recent years.
A new study conducted by the University College London has indicated that poor housing conditions across London could have lasting effects on children’s physical and mental health. The findings were from the Marmot Review which looks into health inequalities across Britain was conducted by the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE).
The findings, which were a review that looked into housing and health problems in the city, indicated that there are more than 75,000 children below 18 who are homeless and residing in temporary places in London. This is due to the fact there is huge lack of improved quality and affordable housing in the city, particularly social housing which gives people no choice but to reside in housing with poor safety or homes beyond their budget.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director, UCL Institute of Health Equity, stated that this is unacceptable as this hinders children’s outlook permanently further emphasizing cold, damp and mouldy homes can cause damage to lungs further obstructing their progress.
“Children are less likely to be able to do their homework if their home is cold and overcrowded, leading to them falling behind at school. In the long term that is more likely to lead to low-income, unstable work and not being able to make ends meet. Educational achievement is a key predictor of long-term health and longevity, and health inequalities,” said Professor Marmot.
The report addressed a variety of issues on the significance of affordable housing which likely to face even more challenges due to the rising inflation.
