Bristol residents living in cold and damp homes well above UK average
A fifth of people say their homes are cold and damp while mould is an issue for nearly a third
New research has revealed that Bristol residents are experiencing cold and damp conditions in their homes at rates much higher than the national average.
The findings, from polling conducted by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, show that one in five people in Bristol, or 20%, describe their homes as cold and damp, compared to 14% of adults across the UK.
Mould is also a significant issue, with 30% of people in the city reporting they experience mould regularly or occasionally in their homes. For the rest of the UK, this figure is slightly lower, at a quarter of adults or 26%.
People living with health conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are known to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold and damp homes, with campaigners warning that the issue contributes to health inequalities and puts extra strain on healthcare services.
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said:
“Meanwhile, for many households, the research highlights the vicious cycle where cold and damp housing worsens existing health conditions, increasing energy needs and making homes harder to heat. This in turn drives further ill health and greater pressure on healthcare services.
“The data underlines the need for long-term solutions that address housing quality and energy affordability together, rather than relying on short-term crisis support, to prevent cold and damp homes becoming a permanent driver of poor health and rising public costs.”
The research comes as energy bills continue to remain higher than pre-Covid levels, raising concerns about the need for targeted action to improve home conditions.
Tom Darling from the Renters’ Reform Coalition emphasised the challenges faced by private renters, saying:
“It’s shocking that so many people are living in homes that put their life at risk – and totally unacceptable that many landlords are profiting from them.
“The government must set out when they will apply Awaab’s law to the private rented sector, as they recently have for social tenants, and finally impose a legal duty on landlords to address dangerous housing conditions within a specific timeframe.”
For renters and homeowners struggling with the costs of maintaining warm and safe living conditions, the End Fuel Poverty Coalition is calling for comprehensive schemes to address energy bills and improve insulation, ventilation, and heating.