Co-ordinated action addresses fuel poverty and fire risks, crime, damp, traffic flows, poor housing fabric and recreation areas. Local Authorities are responsible for administering home renovation grants and have certain statutory responsibilities towards homeless people. Wales has a higher than average proportion of owner-occupiers living in 19th century houses, often in areas of high unemployment where owners are less able to afford to renovate and maintain their houses. The Government's comprehensive spending review is considering the costs to health and other services of poor housing and how resources might be better targeted. Social Housing 5.5.
Social housing can make an important contribution to health.
Tai Cymru's Tai Cymru's standard house plans, building specification and good practice guidance ensure that social housing design in Wales reflects a commitment to health and safety, and provides opportunities for future adaptation as the needs of occupants change. Houses are designed to minimise risk of accidents in hazardous areas e.g. kitchens and stairs, and to be economical to heat. Both the dwellings and their surrounding estates provide high levels of accessibility to visitors with a wide range of disabilities and incorporate a comprehensive range of crime prevention measures. People sleeping rough, especially for long periods, are particularly at risk from poor health. Access to health services and other services is a particular difficulty for those who sleep rough regularly, or who do not have settled home.