Healthy homes at the heart of improving health and reducing inequalities in Wigan Borough

A fresh approach to improving health and reducing inequalities by putting safe, warm and secure homes at the centre of its public health priorities has been set out by Wigan Council.

The new report, titled Building Blocks of Health – Housing & Health, outlining how housing plays a critical role in shaping people’s health and wellbeing at every stage of life was presented at a scrutiny committee meeting this week.

It sets out how Wigan Council and its partners are taking a place‑based, prevention‑focused approach, aligning housing, public health, social care and community services to tackle the root causes of poor health.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet portfolio holder for health and adult social care, said: “Where and how we live has a huge impact on our health.

“Cold, damp or unsafe homes can make existing health problems worse and create new ones, especially for children and older people.

“This work is about prevention: improving homes now to protect people’s health, reduce pressure on the NHS and help everyone in Wigan Borough live healthier, more independent lives.”

The report was presented at the Fair Opportunities for All: Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee on Monday (23th March).

Key areas of focus include:

• Improving housing quality and conditions across all tenures, including tackling damp, mould, excess cold and other serious hazards
• Supporting safe and suitable homes, with a focus on falls prevention, home adaptations and child home safety
• Preventing homelessness and reducing the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation, particularly for families with children
• Addressing housing-related inequalities, prioritising those most affected by poor housing and poor health outcomes.

These priorities are included in Wigan Council’s Housing Strategy 2026 to 2031.

Work is already underway to improve the quality of social housing provided by Wigan Council, with a borough‑wide housing stock condition survey, targeted work to reduce fuel poverty, and partnership schemes that provide alternatives to bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless families.

The report supports the borough’s Progress with Unity missions, which aim to create fair opportunities for all residents and ensure Wigan’s towns and neighbourhoods are healthy, connected and thriving.

Scrutiny committee members were asked to comment on the approach and next steps, which include strengthening how the council measures the health impact of housing improvements and increasing understanding of residents’ lived experience.