Construction union UCATT have described the Government's housing policies as creating misery for thousands of families.

The union made their claim on the same day that the Labour Party held an opposition day debate in Parliament on the housing crisis.

New research shows that despite the number of homes being built having increased, it is still less than half the number that is required and a housing gap exists in every region of England.


The most pressing area of housing need is for new council and social housing. There are currently five million people on housing waiting lists. The lack of council and social housing has become more acute due to the Government's slashing of the budget for building new social housing by 60%, soon after entering office.

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "A lack of decent truly affordable housing is causing misery for thousands of families and is stunting the life chances of children who are being brought up in inadequate accommodation."

(CD)