Charity's plea to build 90,000 new homes

The Government is being called on to build 90,000 new homes a year to combat a “housing emergency”.

Homeless charity Shelter say 34% of people are living in homes, which are damp, cold, or unsafe or over-crowded or having to cut spending to afford housing costs.

Others say they are are worried about losing their home altogether.

A survey by the charity found 23% of people are living in homes with significant damp, mould and condensation, or cannot keep warm in winter, while eight per cent report regularly cutting back on essential items such as food and heating to pay their housing costs.

A further 8% are worried about losing or being asked to leave their current home.

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said: "Decades of neglect have left Britain's housing system on its knees.

It is a housing emergency. A safe home is everything to people, yet millions don't have one. Lives are being ruined by benefit cuts, blatant discrimination and the total failure to build social homes."

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government statement said: "It is unacceptable for people to live in unsafe accommodation and that is why we have given councils stronger tools to crack down on rogue landlords, including fines of up to £30,000 and banning orders.

"We've also announced major reforms to support tenants, including our Charter for Social Housing Residents, that will provide greater redress for residents, better regulation and improve the quality of homes.

"We're providing £750million this year alone to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping and are investing £12bn in affordable housing."