Unsuitable homes lead to low educational achievement and antisocial behaviour, said the Sustainable Development Roundtable as it urged Government to take its report on housing seriously.Advisory group chairwoman Ianthia Wade issued a statement pointing to the social factors experts believe arise from poor housing.“The quality of housing contributes to the quality of life for our residents,” said Mrs Wade.“The way that our neighbours live can influence the outcomes of our communities.“Psychologists have suggested and there is empirical data that supports the view that unsuitable housing disproportionally influences antisocial behaviour.“Unsuitable housing also adversely impacts the educational development of our children which influences our economic sustainability.“Going home should be a positive experience for our children and their families.”Yesterday’s Royal Gazette reported how the SDRT is calling for a policy unit to be set up within Bermuda Housing Corporation to tackle soaring house prices, the issue of vacant homes and future accommodation needs for seniors.The report, which has been presented to Cabinet, also called for better inter-agency communication between Government and non-Government agencies involved in housing.It stated: “Senior Government officials have advised the SDRT that many of their clients’ behaviours can be traced to the environment in which the development of their living skills were shaped.“These skills are heavily influenced by the suitability of their housing status. Those nurtured, in part, in unsuitable housing are often at higher risk of acting out/displaying antisocial behaviour.“This behaviour is displayed in several facets of life including at schools and at public events.“NGOs mandated to help families have expressed a similar sentiment regarding the suitability of living arrangements, for children in particular and how it appears to influence their tendency towards antisocial behaviour.“Despite the perception that unsuitable housing is a major contributor to unsociable behaviour, the SDRT is not aware of data that provides conclusive evidence of a link.“However, based on their experiences, social service providers describe a link and with varying levels of risks to children in particular. This is often manifested in drug abuse, child abuse and domestic violence.“The SDRT is also aware of perceptions connecting unsuitable housing with a negative impact on learning.“This longer term impact of this emerges later in life, affecting decision making on matters such as poor family planning, budgeting and health which in turn is contributing to the recycling of the issues, behaviours and outcomes with the next generation.“While unsuitable housing is but one indicator among many contributing to antisocial behaviour, the larger issue is one of effective provision of required services necessary to mitigate this behaviour.“To this end, systemisation of social services provision has been identified as a primary priority of the Sustainable Development Implementation Plan 2008.”Yesterday, asked why it’s important for Government to take action on housing, Mrs Wade said: “The Roundtable is an advisory board and through research identified that housing is a major concern for Bermuda.“Housing is a basic need for all and contributes to our well-being. Unsuitable housing places pressure on families and contribute to the breakdown of the family structure.“This could include siblings moving out of the home. Living in separate locations can weaken the family structure, and weak families lead to weak communities.“Bermuda is an affluent jurisdiction with a high population density and these two factors suggest that strong housing policy be in place and well managed. The Roundtable is of the view that a single entity ought to exist and be responsible for the varying and complex issues that a housing policy ought to address.“Housing is always a current issue and it has been argued that it has not been addressed satisfactorily.“Factors such as the availability and affordability and should be considered when creating a housing policy.“It is also important that we have relevant and current data available so that we can make informed holistic decisions.”The Environment Ministry, which has responsibility for sustainable development, did not reply to requests for a comment yesterday or Sunday.The public is invited to comment by calling 294-5893, or e-mailing dss@gov.bmUseful website: www.sdbermuda.bm.