Bridging the Gap: Achieving Decent Homes across the UK A Study of Housing Quality, Affordability and Geographical Disparities

Substandard housing in England is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of citizens and contributing to social inequalities. This dissertation investigates the prevalence and distribution of substandard and unsafe housing in England, exploring its association with socio-economic factors. The analysis utilizes the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and the incidence of Category-1 hazards as metrics to assess housing quality across England. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis are employed to explore the geographical distribution and socioeconomic determinants of non-decent housing. Over 16% of dwellings fail to meet DHS standards, with 9.9% exhibiting Category-1 hazards. Privately rented properties show the lowest quality, with 24.31% failing DHS standards. Geographically, a North-South divide exists, with substandard housing concentrated in the North of England. Socioeconomic deprivation emerges as a key determinant, with a strong correlation between the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and substandard living conditions. Specific demographics, including the elderly and young adults, are particularly vulnerable. The findings underscore the urgency to address substandard housing, particularly in the private rental sector and terraced houses, which disproportionately impact families and vulnerable groups. Recommendations include strengthening regulations, increasing social housing supply, improving tenant rights, and allocating more resources to local authorities, with a specific focus on addressing geographical disparities and supporting disadvantaged populations. These measures aim to enhance housing quality, ensure safety, and promote social cohesion and economic growth.