Why is quality housing important for children?

A new policy memo of European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) has published a policy memo on the housing conditions experienced by children in the European Union. Child poverty and social exclusion is closely associated with a lack of quality and affordable housing. Living in poor quality housing often contributes to increased health risks (including meningitis, asthma, and depression) which often persist into adulthood. Issues around housing can therefore have a long-term impact on the life chances of children who grow up in poverty.

The EPIC policy memo provides an overview of the housing conditions experienced by children across the European Union. It also offers examples of the various policy responses and interventions underway in member states that are aimed at improving the housing conditions of children within the European Union. Aspects of housing quality and affordability were analysed using data from the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions in order to identify the main trends in the housing conditions experienced by children in the European Union. The provision of quality and affordable housing is an important mechanism for tackling child poverty, promoting the social inclusion of children and minimising the risk of homelessness among children in the EU. This memo outlines the housing conditions experienced by children across the EU and shows examples of actions taken by EU countries and at European level to improve the situation.

EPIC is a platform for sharing the best of policymaking for children under the umbrella of the European Commission´s Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.