ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses the public health priorities. It argues for a comprehensive, whole stock approach to housing, more balanced assessment of housing requirements, and wider recognition of housing related issues, including health, energy efficiency, poverty, social inclusion and the connections between them. As individual housing is converted formally or informally to Health Maintenance Organizations HMOs and higher density living, it poses numerous issues for local housing stock, and indeed for policymakers. There is a need for partnerships working within local authorities since there are planning, housing and social issues to be addressed. In order to effectively address traditional private sector housing issues and related adverse health impacts on occupants, it is important to understand the underlying structure of the economy, income patterns and demographic changes. The screening stage is important as it is the stage that identifies whether the plan, project, or policy decision is one for which an Health Impact Assessment HIA would be useful.
