SCOPH's concern with the impact of inadequate housing and homelessness on health led it to set up a multidisciplinary working group to take a fresh look at the complex issues involved. Its aim was not to create another research paper cataloguing the problem areas needing funding, but rather, using the body of existing research, to highlight the causal links between inadequate housing and ill-health and to make practical suggestions for improving the housing and care of vulnerable people.
Case studies highlight some of the gaps that were found between stated policy and practice and some of the inconsistencies and internal contradictions among the policies of different departments.