Investment in housing could help offset health and social care expenditure, according to a report by consultants Deloitte.

The report, which found that health and social care for older people with long-term illness costs £30bn per year, said unsuitable housing conditions were hindering the quality of care.

It said the low availability and affordability of suitable housing, homecare and residential care was a barrier to improved care.

The report proposed that living conditions could be improved by budgeting on a personal or per capita basis in order to fund home repairs, adaptations and homecare
support.

It read: ‘A better supply of suitable alternatives could allow individuals to retain their
independence for longer and help improve health outcomes but there is currently insufficient supply of appropriate housing.

‘Both health and social care sectors need to understand the impact that poor standards and quality of older people's housing and accommodation can have on care outcomes.'