ABSTRACT

It is paradoxical that in spite of economic growth and technological innovation in the developed countries of the world, many people still experience serious housing problems over the course of their lives. These problems are most prevalent for working people unable to secure regular employment and those households who, through illhealth or old age, are reliant on state welfare for their income. Poor-quality housing has important implications. Inadequate housing can undermine good health, impede educational attainment and jeopardise an individual’s employment prospects. At a social level, poor housing has a detrimental impact on the environment, the economy and neighbourhood communities.