Millions of UK social homes are unprepared for rising temperatures and increasing energy costs, with current housing and climate policies failing to keep up.
New research from The University of Manchester warns that overheating is becoming a major threat as climate change drives more frequent heatwaves.
The study, published in Energy Policy, draws on interviews with 23 housing and construction specialists. It found widespread concern that while heating has long been prioritised, cooling in homes remains largely overlooked.
Researchers warn that without urgent action residents could face higher bills and worsening health risks.
They say increases in heat-related illness could place further pressure on the NHS and emergency services.
The findings highlight gaps in long-term policy and funding that hinder efforts to deliver energy-efficient, climate-resilient homes. Short-term initiatives, such as the Warm Homes Grant, may not provide lasting solutions.
A lack of skills and guidance on climate-resilient design, especially for cooling, also poses a barrier for the sector.
The report calls for a national climate-resilience strategy for homes. It also urges long-term retrofit funding, stronger training programmes, and policies that ensure fair outcomes for low-income households.
Lead researcher Claire Brown said: “The UK is not moving fast enough to protect residents from the impacts of climate change. Our research makes clear that we urgently need a comprehensive climate-resilience framework.”
She added: “Thermal comfort is a basic human need and our social homes must be safe, affordable and resilient. Overheating is already a risk, particularly for vulnerable residents, yet cooling is barely discussed in policy or practice.”
The UK plans to build more than 1.5 million homes while reaching net zero by 2050. The researchers warn that without systemic change the country risks falling further behind its climate goals.
Social housing unprepared for rising heat as policy lags behind climate risks appeared first on Energy Live News.