Reform of social housing is required to assist 1.5 million families living in overcrowded properties, Westminster City Council has claimed. The council is calling on the Government to give local authorities greater freedom to provide a variety of tenancies to ease overcrowding. It comes on the back of a report by the Local Government Information Unit which highlights how the issue can be resolved. In a letter sent to housing minister, John Healey, Cllr Philippa Roe said: ‘The local connection rule and the temporary accommodation target should be changed so they reflect local differences. ‘This report suggests a "mixed economy of tenure", whereby local authorities can offer alternative tenure options alongside traditional tenancies.'
