Mortgages 'bad for health'

Paying off mortgages can be stressful

Mortgages should come with a health warning, according to doctors.

They say people who fall behind on mortgage repayments are at risk of becoming seriously ill.

The situation is as bad for those who are trapped in homes they can no longer afford to maintain.

According to the British Medical Association, they are at increased risk of developing a range of serious conditions, from heart disease to stroke.

'Struggling to cope'

It has called on the government to tackle the problem and ensure homeowners struggling to cope get the help they need.

Hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes during the 1990s when they were no longer able to keep up mortgage repayments.

We're worried about the spiralling stress levels of people who fear mortgage arrears and debt

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, BMA

In 1991, at the height of the recession after the 1980s boom, more than 75,000 families became homeless.

By 1997, when the property market began to recover, an estimated one million people had lost their homes.

The BMA said these figures show that mortgage arrears and repossessions should be recognised as a major public health issue.

It has urged the government to set up a new Healthy Housing Taskforce to tackle the problem.

"We're worried about the spiralling stress levels of people who fear mortgage arrears and debt," said Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA.

In a report called Housing and Health, it also called on ministers to do more to help people living in temporary and sub-standard accommodation.

Studies have shown that people who live in poor housing are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, asthma, infectious diseases and mental health problems, including depression.

Children are particularly vulnerable. They are also more likely to have developmental problems and have low levels of education. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from stress, stomach problems and injuries at home.

"Poor housing can cause psychological and physical health problems and the best way to reduce health inequalities in this country is to improve living standards," said Dr Nathanson.

"Recognition of the link between poor housing and ill health started in the 1800s, so it is appalling that in the 21st century we are still raising concerns about this issue."

Children 'at risk'

The BMA singled out the policy of placing homeless families in bed and breakfast accommodation for criticism.

It warned that children who live in B&Bs are more likely to have behavioural and emotional difficulties, have problems sleeping and are more prone to infections.

An estimated 23,000 homeless children are living in temporary accommodation in London alone.

"We are worried about children growing up in over-crowded, sub-standard bed and breakfast accommodation," Dr Nathanson said.

The government has pledged to end the practice of putting homeless families in B&Bs by next year. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister says it is on track to meet this target.

"We are very aware of this issue," a spokeswoman told BBC News Online. "We understand the concerns and we know there are medical issues surrounding children living in B&Bs.

"We are trying to get local authorities to find other places for families to live in because we know B&Bs are not very suitable."

The charity Shelter welcomed the BMA report. A spokesman said: "The report confirms the devastating effect that poor housing has on people's lives. Every day we see families with children forced to live in B&Bs or stuck in damp and overcrowded homes.

"Their health, children's education and long-term well being are ruined by the place they live in. There simply are not enough decent homes available caused by years of under investment. It is crucial that we create the homes that these people desperately need."