With temperatures hitting the mid-30s this week and amber heat health alerts extended across much of the country, Impact on Urban Health is warning that overheating homes are becoming a growing public health risk in UK cities, and one that risks deepening existing health inequalities.

The warning comes as UKHSA figures show there were an estimated 1,504 heat-associated deaths in England during summer 2025, with the highest mortality rates among older people and in London, the East of England and the South East.

Research supported by Impact on Urban Health previously found every home monitored in a South London study exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended maximum indoor temperature for London, with some homes remaining above 30C for prolonged periods.

Mark Hefferman, Interim Director of Policy, Influencing & Change at Impact on Urban Health spokesperson said: "These temperatures are uncomfortable for most people, but for some they are genuinely dangerous, particularly older people, people with long-term health conditions and those living in homes that trap heat.

"The UK's housing stock was largely designed to keep heat in, not out. During sustained hot weather many homes become difficult to cool down, especially overnight, which can have serious consequences for people's health.

"The impacts are also not felt equally. People on lower incomes are often more likely to live in overcrowded or poorly ventilated homes, with fewer options to escape the heat, which risks deepening existing health inequalities.

"As heatwaves become more frequent, overheating homes are increasingly a public health issue as much as a climate issue."