It’s often said that Britain’s homes are the oldest in Europe. Around one in six in England are classed as non-decent, rising to one in five in the private rented sector. Damp and mould now affect nearly one in 10 privately rented homes, and the problem is growing. Even as some indicators of safety have improved, the reality for too many people – particularly those on low incomes, ethnic minority households and disabled residents – is that their homes are damaging their health .

The housing crisis is not just about numbers. It’s about condition, affordability and trust. While the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes this parliament is very welcome, the quality of those homes – and the state of the ones we already have – will determine success. As Aneurin Bevan, architect of

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