Seven Ways Housing Policy Is Moving Backwards On Health And Human RightsA new report finding government housing policies have gone backwards across all seven principles underpinning the right to a decent home has major implications for population health. The authors of a new Public Health Expert Briefing say the findings have important implications for public health because housing is a key determinant of health and wellbeing. Illnesses attributable to household crowding have been estimated to cause public health sector costs of $141 million, with 229 deaths each year, and costs to society of $1 billion. The authors say these findings demonstrate why housing policy needs to be considered as health policy. The Human Rights Foundation review identifies several government policies since 2023 that it considers steps backwards in housing rights protections.