A recent article in the Manchester Evening News claims that 50,000 new homes will be required for rent every year to resolve growing overcrowding. The report was compiled by a group of MPs. The Commons local government committee called for a re-think on the way in which "...renting is often seen as second best to ownership. This perception is unhelpful - significant numbers of people rely on the rental sector and their needs and aspirations are every bit as important as those of homeowners."

The committee also found that too many flats have been built when what is needed to reduce overcrowding is more family homes