Housing and health – a shared history, a shared future

Purpose The 2017 Naylor Review has been the subject of some controversy, with some of the press, social media and other critics portraying its recommendations as a “fire sale” or privatisation of the NHS. The purpose of this paper is to examine preceding reports into efficiency and best value of the NHS, the evidence behind the review recommendations, and analyse data into housing affordability for the capital’s NHS staff. It concludes by advocating for partnerships with housing associations to deliver social and financial value by utilising redundant NHS land to deliver the affordable housing that London and the rest of the UK so urgently needs. Design/methodology/approach The paper was developed using the content analysis of preceding independent reviews of NHS efficiency, published critiques of the Naylor Review and analysis of NHS produced data to consider the potential savings and opportunities for reinvestment in capital projects. Findings The paper identifies existing partnership models and examples of good practice and advocates the adoption of joint ventures and other forms of partnership to ensure that both best value is achieved from the sale of NHS assets, and publicly owned assets are reused for social purpose. Originality/value The paper uses existing data, analysis and context to map a route for achieving best value in managing the publicly owned asset base and reinvesting the proceeds of the sale of redundant properties into UK public services.