Bolton’s Public Health Annual Report 2026 has just been published together with a video, highlighting how housing is a key factor in reducing health inequalities across the borough.
Bolton’s Public Health Annual Report 2026 has just been published together with a video, highlighting how housing is a key factor in reducing health inequalities across the borough.
A safe, warm, and secure home is fundamental to good health, and the report places housing at the heart of the plans to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in Bolton.
The report explores how housing conditions affect residents' physical and mental wellbeing and outlines the steps being taken to ensure more people can live in homes that support them to live well, age well and remain connected to their communities.
Housing is an important factor influencing health, with issues such as damp, mould, cold homes, overcrowding and housing insecurity linked to poorer health outcomes and increased pressure on local services.
While many Bolton residents enjoy homes that support their wellbeing, 14% of homes in the borough fail to meet the ‘Decent Homes Standard’.
More than a quarter of Bolton's housing was built before 1919, and these older properties tend to be more expensive to maintain and heat.
In Bolton, 12% of households experience fuel poverty, which rises to more than 20% in some neighbourhoods.
There is growing demand for affordable housing and overcrowding is an issue for many residents, with more than 6,800 households living in homes that do not provide sufficient space.
With cost of living and health and social pressures the number of households in temporary accommodation have more than doubled since 2018, and there is an increasing need to provide homes and support services for the homeless.
Examples of work already taking place in Bolton include support for residents experiencing fuel poverty, housing enforcement activity, home adaptation services, falls prevention programmes, homelessness prevention initiatives, and home energy efficiency schemes.
Bolton’s Director of Public Health, Lynn Donkin, said:
“Where we live has a profound impact on how long and how well we live. This year's Public Health Annual Report highlights how improving housing conditions can help reduce inequalities, support independence and wellbeing, and deliver better outcomes for residents across the borough.”
The Public Health Annual Report complements Bolton's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2029, the Bolton 2040 Borough Plan, and the Local Plan that sets out housebuilding requirements for the town.
Cllr Jackie Schofield, Bolton’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing said:
“Everyone deserves a home that supports their health, wellbeing, and independence. I welcome this report and its focus on the practical actions we can take to create healthier homes, stronger communities, and a fairer Bolton.”
Cllr Sean Fielding, Bolton’s Executive Member for Adult Services and Housing said:
"As Executive Member for Adult Services and Housing, I am pleased that this years’ public health annual report highlights that good housing and good health go hand in hand. The report and video demonstrate what Bolton can achieve by working together, improving housing conditions, preventing homelessness, and tackling health inequalities.
“We are making progress in addressing many of the key issues affecting inequalities across the borough, and we will continue to place housing at the heart of our plans.
“I’d encourage anybody with an interest in reducing health inequalities takes a look at the report and watches the video to learn how improving housing in Bolton can support this agenda.”