14/05/2008
City still pioneering social reform
A Health conference will take Liverpool back to its historic role as a leading social reformer.
A two-day 'Housing and Health' themed event, will take place at Liverpool Town Hall on 15 and 16 May. It has attracted more than 250 experts, aims to save hundreds of vulnerable people's lives by regulating unscrupulous landlords.
The 'Healthy Homes Initiative' to be launched at the conference, will inject nearly £10 million of PCT funding into a programme to improve standards in the private rented sector over the next three years.
The programme, which includes education and robust enforcement of housing standards, is targeted towards higher risk private rented properties and vulnerable occupants. It aims to save at least 200 lives and prevent 2,000 GP consultations and hospital admissions, over three years.
Gideon Ben-Tovim chair of Liverpool PCT said: "I am delighted to announce this new initiative working with the city council which will make a big difference to the lives of people living in poor housing conditions in the city, and also firmly establish the exciting new commissioning role of the PCT in tackling health inequalities."
Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council said: "This is excellent news. As a fire-fighter, I am well aware of the tragic consequences of fires in some private rented properties, so I am particularly pleased that this new project will not only target the worst properties but also the vulnerable, many of whom live in such accommodation."
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) will be a priority, which tend to be focused in larger and older properties which have been converted into living units, with shared facilities such as toilets and bathrooms. They often cater for the city's thriving student population but also many vulnerable people.
National statistics show that someone living in a large bedsit house is 15 times more likely to be seriously injured in a fire than someone living in a similar single-occupancy property.
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