15/04/2009 - Downturn leads to cramped living
Rising unemployment brought on by the recession will see the number of people living in overcrowded homes in England soar by 15% over the next two years, it has been warned.
Around 2.65 million people will be forced to live in cramped and unsuitable conditions by 2011, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF).
A spokesman for the NHF, which represents England's housing associations, said families may have no option but to stay in properties that are 'far too small' for them due to rising unemployment and reduced incomes. And he warned a continuing slump in the construction of new homes following the credit crunch meant the situation could get even worse.
It is predicted 2009-10 could see half as many homes built in England than 2008-09, with the number estimated at just 70,000 - compared with 140,000 constructed last year.
The NHF warned that overcrowding could lead to widespread problems with health, children's education and family relationships.
NHF chief executive David Orr said: "To prevent overcrowding reaching epidemic proportions, we believe the Government should introduce a house-building fiscal stimulus in the Budget, with around £6.35 billion being spent on constructing 100,000 new homes for social rent over the next two years."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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