Policy overhaul needed to secure a healthy society

The Health Foundation has published a new report urging the government to overhaul policies across housing, transport and education to secure the future health of today’s young people.

The recommendations in the A healthy foundation for the future report include calls for a consistent approach to discounted and free public transport for students across the UK and a review of the impact the current testing regime in schools has on mental health.

The charity says that factors, such as a fragmented approach to spending and investment in young people across multiple government departments and a challenging housing market where more young people are living longer in poor quality, shorter term rental properties, are putting the UK’s 12-24 year-olds at serious risk of ill health later in life.

The Health Foundation is proposing a series of wide-ranging policy recommendations to give young people a better start in life, including: a government review of the impact of the exam system and the ‘teach to test’ culture on the mental health of young people; significant reforms to the private rental sector including developing minimum standards for landlords and greater support for ‘build to rent’ schemes so that young people can put down roots and feel a sense of ‘home’; and ending the postcode lottery in access to discounted and free transport for students and young people seeking employment.

Jo Bibby, director of Health at the Health Foundation, said: “Most people wouldn’t automatically think that housing, transport and education policies have much to do with people’s health. However, our inquiry has shown that getting these – and other areas of government policy – right for young people sets them on course for a healthy future. This is why we are recommending changes to ensure young people have somewhere to call home, rewarding work and supportive relationships with friends, families and communities.

“It is apparent that the arbitrary division of responsibilities between different sectors is letting young people down and jeopardising their long-term health. We must address these divisions and ensure there is a whole government approach to drive us towards a healthy future.”