Sir.-Recently, the Government introduced and published a Public Health White Paper.

This was the first time we have had a comprehensive strategy outlined for a considerable period of time in this most important area, which seeks to link together all the key elements of economic development, sustainable communities, health and housing, and many more.

In my view, there are five key themes which should be considered by local authorities and the Government.

Improve the physical inequalities and housing conditions of the people

Reduce the number of families in temporary and managed occupation (the rise in homelessness and overcrowding via "concealed" households is becoming extremely concerning)

Improve energy efficiency in all accommodation

Reduce accidents in the home

Reduce the number of homes with damp and internal condensation.

Another one of the indicated key areas which needs to be tackled is the relationship between health and housing inequalities.

These are not just the physical structures but those structural deficiencies that will only add to the sense of unfulfilment, lack of resources and lack of self-esteem that many have in disadvantaged areas.

The Government is seeking to tackle some of these issues via the Decent Homes standard, Lifetime Home standards and through any number of direct resource allocations, but I do not believe, nor do many others, that this is sufficient.

There needs to be a national strategic plan for health and housing together, to tackle the inequalities, and a key requirement will be how local authorities will focus on and deliver the changes that are needed.

The debates on the Public Health White Paper have just started.

Let us all make sure that this most important area, which increasingly affects more and more people, will be part of the main theme of delivering anything that comes from the conclusions.

-Mike Roberts, county councillor, Aldershot South.