More affordable housing needed to boost economy

Responding to figures released by the Office of National Statistics showing orders for new houses have slumped in recent months, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'It is clear that the construction sector has been among the hardest hit by the recession. Yet we are in desperate need of new affordable housing, and the Government's targets will not be met without decisive intervention.

'Bringing forward major infrastructure projects is a sensible first step, but far more needs to be done as it will deliver homes, jobs and exactly the right kind of boost that an economy in recession needs.'