Report reveals fear over housing policy

There is a danger that the government's methods of achieving its target of building three million new homes by 2020 could be too uniform and not take into account local needs, a report has warned.

Urban policy and research body Centre for Cities has stated that each location has different needs and has recommended that a one-size-fits-all approach be avoided in favour of a locally sensitive approach.

It said that more rental property is needed to combat the main problem of a lack of affordable homes in centres such as Bristol and Cambridge, whereas cities like Sunderland, Bradford and Hull need a greater concentration on large homes to attract professionals.

Those seeking to resolve any inadequacies in the supply of the right kind of housing in their area may do so using the self build method to ensure they get the sort of home they want.

New housebuilding has been falling in recent months due to the credit crunch, with builder Barratts announcing the loss of 1,200 jobs this week.