Housing shortage 'needs to be resolved urgently'

Posted: 02 Sep 2010 08:51:04 GMT

The UK's shortage in housing should be treated as a "matter of urgency" by government officials.

That is the view of Steve Turner, head of communications at the Home Builders Federation, who said it is estimated there is a shortfall of a million homes and the figure will increase by 200,000 every year.

He explained there are massive economic and social implications attached to not constructing more property.

"There are four-and-a-half million people on waiting lists, more and more people have to stay with their families well into their 30s," Mr Turner added.

He observed additional jobs in the construction industry will be created if homes are built, as each new dwelling creates one-and-a-half jobs.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a report by Policy Exchange, which stated officials should offer financial incentives to residents who live near housing development areas.
 

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