Warning over UK housing 'crisis'

More homes must be built to tackle the growing housing crisis in England, experts have said.

Government figures show that just 24,140 properties were started in the first three months of 2012, a fall of 11% from the previous quarter.

Campaigners warned that overcrowding is getting worse, and called on ministers to provide thousands more homes to boost the economy.

The group also found that rented properties are becoming less affordable - highlighting the importance of saving money on essential housing costs such as home insurance.

The National Housing Federation, homelessness charity Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing looked at 10 key issues facing the housing market in a new report.

They found that the Government was failing to improve in five areas - affordability in the rented sector, help with housing costs, homelessness, the housing supply and overcrowding.

The authors said the Government was "falling well short" in tackling the country's housing issue.

Copyright © Press Association 2012.