Lib Dems: Govt housing policy failing poorest

Councils must be able to invest in housing if the government is to tackle homelessness effectively, the Liberal Democrats have argued after a package to help the vulnerable was unveiled.

"The fact that more than half a million people are still living in squats, hostels, on friend's floors and in temporary accommodation is a damning indictment of this government," said housing spokesman Dan Rogerson.

He noted the government had allowed 450,000 council homes to be sold off since 1997, while only 140,000 new social homes had been built.

Mr Rogerson added: "We need to provide sustainable homes for all. The government should be making it as easy for councils to invest in their housing as it is for housing associations.

"Councils must be allowed to reinvest money from the sale of old council houses to provide new social housing for those who are worst off."