Growth? Yes. But homes and neighbourhoods can deliver so much more

By Matthew Morgan, Co-founder and Director

As the dust settles on last week’s election, I am both excited and optimistic about the future under our new government. This administration’s promise on delivering new homes is not just timely but imperative.

However, while the focus on increasing housing supply is commendable, it’s essential to recognise that homes and neighbourhoods are not merely tools for delivering growth, as the Chancellor’s speech this morning may suggest.

Homes and neighbourhoods: the foundation of health, productivity, and equity

The new government’s commitment to growth is clear. Yet true, sustainable growth is multifaceted. It’s not just about expanding our economy, but about fostering an environment where productivity can thrive. Without increasing productivity, we won’t increase growth. Physical capital, technology and natural resources are all important to doing that, but ‘human capital’ is, too, which means improving the nation’s health and wellbeing. 

The irony – and huge opportunity – is that good homes and neighbourhoods are one of the bedrocks upon which health, productivity, and growth are built. Which is why focusing on the quality of the homes and neighbourhoods that are delivered is as important as thinking about the numbers built.

Poor housing conditions are linked to a myriad of health issues, including respiratory diseases, mental ill health, and chronic illnesses. Healthy living environments contribute directly to better health outcomes. Healthier individuals mean fewer sick days, greater workplace participation, and enhanced overall productivity. 

So, if growth is the number one goal, focusing on delivering better homes and neighbourhoods has to be central too. 

Beyond growth: the multifaceted impact of homes and neighbourhoods

While creating homes and neighbourhoods that deliver for people’s health and wellbeing will be essential to delivering against the growth agenda, they can deliver so much more. 

Some of the many policy areas that ensuring access to good quality homes and neighbourhoods can influence include:

  • Tackling the cost of living crisis: Good quality homes that people can afford alleviate financial stress on families, improving their wellbeing. They provide a stable foundation for individuals to pursue opportunities and better manage the cost of living.
  • Social cohesion: Quality homes and well-designed neighbourhoods foster strong communities. These environments encourage social interaction, can reduce crime rates, and build a sense of belonging and mutual support.
  • Environmental sustainability: Sustainable homes and neighbourhoods reduce our carbon footprint and, importantly, improve our resilience to climate change. 
  • Education: Children growing up in stable, well-maintained homes are more likely to perform better academically. A conducive learning environment at home supports their educational journey, ultimately leading to a more educated and skilled workforce.

And let’s not forget health equity. Disparities in living conditions often mirror broader social inequalities. Marginalised communities frequently suffer from substandard living environments, which exacerbate health disparities. By prioritising high-quality, affordable homes in well-designed neighbourhoods, we can make significant strides towards levelling the playing field and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

Seizing the opportunity for change

The new Labour government has a unique opportunity to reshape our housing landscape. By adopting a holistic approach that goes beyond mere numbers, the government could create policies that truly enhance the nation’s quality of life. This involves not just building more homes, but ensuring they are of high quality, are affordable, and well-integrated into supportive neighbourhoods.

We must advocate for housing and planning policies that recognise the intrinsic link between homes, health, productivity, and growth. This means setting high standards for new developments, listening to local communities, prioritising sustainable and inclusive design, and ensuring that homes and neighbourhoods are accessible to all segments of society.

Let’s embrace this opportunity for change and build a future where everyone can enjoy a high quality of life, supported by homes and neighbourhoods that are healthy, sustainable, and resilient. 

Housing is not just about providing shelter; it is about creating the conditions for health equity and social justice. This is the transformative power of homes and neighbourhoods, and it is within our grasp.