Councils fear the housing bill will see a sell off of homes that will not be replaced and a rocketing of homelessness in communities across Britain.

The survey of local authorities, treated as a snapshot by the LGA laid out their concerns.

The key statistics from this survey are:

–          78% said there would be an increase in homelessness

–          90% of councils surveyed said their number of council homes would decrease

–          74% said the homes sold under RTB would not be replaced

–          82% said there would be less estate regeneration

The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to think again and take advantage of the remaining stages of the Housing Bill to change the law to help families in housing need.

Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, said: “The rise of homelessness because of the government’s housing reforms is utterly appalling. The most vulnerable people in our communities are being completely overlooked. The blame for this lies firmly at the government’s door.

“When is the government going to do a proper assessment of the impact of their housing reforms on those most in need?”

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “This survey confirms our fears about the devastation that will be caused by the Government’s housing reforms. Liberal Democrats asked for this survey to be carried out because we suspected this disastrous impact.

“A huge reduction in affordable housing is forecasted across the country. The Tories are intent on destroying housing for those most in need.

“The housing crisis in Britain is desperate, yet the Government is busy giving cash hand outs to help those with wealthy parents buy a nice home while the numbers of homes for everyone else is being slashed.

“We need to stop this before it’s too late. Liberal Democrats in the Lords have launched a major attack on the reforms and will be fighting them to the bitter end.”

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