Our objectives under the Housing & Health strategy

Updated: 23 May 2012
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Improved housing means improved health
Irish Street terrace in Downpatrick
In 1998 the Acheson report, the independent inquiry into health inequalities, linked poor quality housing with poor health. It said that health improvements could only be achieved through a multi-agency approach which tackled the causes of ill health.
Our Housing and Health Strategy drew this research together, looked at the way some of the worst symptoms of multiple deprivations were being addressed. It made recommendations which formed the basis of the our five year "Housing and Health Action Plan" in 2001.
The strategy provides the opportunity to create healthier living environment and to support healthy lifestyles by:
  • making more affordable housing available across Northern Ireland.
  • helping people to live independently by providing supported housing and housing support services.
  • providing aids and adaptations for the elderly and people with a disability.
  • addressing the needs of the homeless.
  • promoting safety and accident prevention in the home.
  • improving the quality of housing and the environment.
  • reducing fuel poverty and promoting energy conservation.
  • promoting community safety and reducing anti-social behaviour.
  • fostering good community relations.
  • facilitating neighbourhood renewal and urban and rural regeneration.
  • contributing to improving the health and well being of ethnic minority and migrant worker communities
The original 2001 Housing and Health Action Plan contained 36 recommendations to be achieved over a five year period. These were reviewed in 2003 to reflect new arrangements created under Supporting People, Investing for Health Partnerships and Neighbourhood Renewal Strategies.
The original recommendations were then regrouped under the following generic themes:
  • Supporting People and Supported Housing
  • Research
  • Homelessness
  • Adaptations
  • Neighbourhood Renewal/Community Safety
  • Investing for Health Partnerships/Health Action Zones/Healthy Cities
  • Home Accident Prevention
  • Travellers
  • Rural Issues
  • Fuel Poverty
In 2007 we conducted a major review of our approach to Housing and Health with our consultation document Housing Matters.  The new approach brings together the recommendations for our Housing and Health Policy under the Housing Executive’s six corporate objectives.  See the main Housing and Health strategy page for further information and links to all our Housing and Health publications.