Local leaders unite to tackle the health impacts of the housing crisis
Leaders from the NHS, local councils, communities and the voluntary sector across south London recently committed to addressing the link between housing and poor health, with an innovative action plan.
On Thursday 5th December, a new Housing and Health Coalition met, co-chaired by community leaders alongside senior leaders from the South East London Integrated Care Board and the South West London Integrated Care Board.
The Coalition has been developed to directly deliver on commitments made by both south London ICBs at two South London Listens community listening assemblies to take action on the health impact of the housing crisis by convening partners across south London to galvanise them to identify solutions and create an action plan.
At the first meeting of the Coalition, organised with strategic partner, Citizens UK, senior NHS and Local Authority leaders from across south London committed to progressing recommendations made as part a year long participatory policy-making process involving community leaders.
Cold, damp, and overcrowded homes worsen physical and mental health conditions, while housing insecurity adds to stress and instability. To combat these issues, the Housing Action Plan focuses on the following priorities:
1. Leveraging NHS land to create affordable homes and social homes.
2. Embedding housing advocacy within health services that support people with housing-adjacent health needs and strengthening the role of the health system in identifying housing issues.
3. Strengthening community power to influence housing and health decisions.
The event included discussions between healthcare and housing experts and people with lived experience of housing difficulties, who spoke candidly about the issues they faced and what tangible steps could be taken to create long-term solutions. A creative theatre performance and community march highlighted the urgency of addressing housing problems in the region.
Nida Mohiyuddin, Community Leader Co-Chair, Ark John Archer School, Wandsworth, said: “As a single mother raising five children in overcrowded housing, I know firsthand how deeply housing impacts health and well-being. Poor housing conditions aren’t just uncomfortable—they are harmful, affecting physical health, mental well-being, and even educational opportunities. I had the honor of co-chairing this event and was inspired to see NHS leaders, local authorities, and communities come together, united by a shared commitment to tackling the housing crisis. This Coalition represents hope for meaningful action, and I look forward to seeing these plans turn into tangible improvements for families like mine and so many others.”
Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of South East London Integrated Care Board and Coalition Co-Chair said: “Poor housing is one of the biggest barriers to good health, and it’s clear that we need to take action to address this. On the day, it was great to have such clear and passionate commitment to tackling this issue head-on from an array of local leaders and subject matter experts.
“I look forward to continuing working together and listening to local communities to make real, meaningful change for those with housing difficulties across south London.”
Mike Bell, Chief Executive of South West London Integrated Care Board and Coalition Co-Chair, said: “Housing and health are deeply connected, and addressing this link is critical to improving lives.
“Hearing from people with firsthand experience of dealing with housing difficulties at this event really drove home the importance of providing solutions that make a meaningful difference. By leveraging partnerships, resources, and community expertise, we have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure that every resident in south London has access to safe, stable, and healthy housing.”
Sir Richard Douglas, Chair of South East London Integrated Care Board and Coalition Co-Chair said: “This is an important moment in recognising – and truly advancing – the NHS’s important role in helping to tackle the housing crisis. Through our work so far, we have a clear direction of travel – now we need to turn this into concrete action. Through our Integrated Care Board we will do all we can to help make this a reality.”
The work of the Health and Housing Coalition builds on Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the NHS in England and the Government’s new English Devolution White Paper and the significant opportunities for the NHS to work closely in partnership with local authorities, elected mayors and communities to tackle the deep rooted social determinants of health.
Detailed plans for delivering against the community priorities will be launched later this year, following wider engagement with communities and stakeholders. Coalition partners agreed to meet again at the end of March to share progress, ahead of a full launch expected in the summer.