§ 18. Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the backlog of unmet housing need. [20954]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe number of people in severe housing need is small in absolute terms, and we are taking steps to drive the figure lower. The number of people who are in overcrowded or bed-and-breakfast accommodation, or are sleeping rough has all fallen substantially in recent years. The Environment Committee's report on housing need did not endorse suggestions of a large backlog of unmet need, but did ask us to do further work, and we are considering this as part of our response to its report.